Waking Up A Community

This episode of Beyond Substance explores the profound impact of community-driven recovery efforts in Scott County, Indiana, particularly in response to a significant HIV outbreak linked to substance use. Through personal stories of struggle and resilience, the conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, the power of lived experiences, and the establishment of recovery organizations like Thrive, which provide hope and resources for those battling addiction. The episode emphasizes that recovery is a journey that requires community support, understanding, and a commitment to breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding addiction.

Hosts: Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller

Segment 1: Professional Interview with Carissa Miller
In the first segment, Dean Babcock talks with Carissa Miller, a licensed clinical social worker deeply involved in addressing substance use disorders. Carissa shares her background, including her personal and professional journey with substance use issues. She provides a comprehensive history of the HIV outbreak in Scott County, highlighting the community's challenges such as high poverty rates, misuse of prescription opioids, and lack of awareness about infectious diseases. Carissa discusses response measures including increased HIV testing, state and federal assistance, and the establishment of a syringe service program. She emphasizes the significance of involving the voices of those with lived experiences in addressing community issues and stresses the "Nothing about us without us" philosophy. Dean and Carissa explore the combined community response efforts and share advice for other communities dealing with similar crises

Segment 2: Personal Story Featuring Phil Stuckey
The second segment features co-host Jodi Miller introducing an inspiring personal recovery story with Phil Stuckey, CEO of Thrive. Phil recounts his journey from addiction to leadership within the recovery community. From his initial neck injury at 16 to his struggle with pain medication addiction, Phil describes his transition from law enforcement to living on the streets due to his heroin addiction. He reaches a turning point, choosing to discard his drug kit and marking his last day of drug use on November 16, 2014. Phil's dedication to recovery leads him to co-found Thrive, a recovery community organization. His narrative is a testament to the power of community and second chances, demonstrating transformations achieved through mutual aid and peer support meetings.

Additional Information
he episode also includes a detailed report by Angela Shamblin on the timeline and statistics of the HIV outbreak, as well as discussions on the success of intervention measures. The community's collaborative efforts, including initiatives like Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) and the Holding Space Recovery Project, are highlighted. The episode closes with insights into future plans and initiatives to further support the community's recovery and health.Beyond Substance continues to emphasize the importance of community involvement, holistic approaches, and collaborative efforts to overcome substance use disorders and associated crises.

Resources

• https://www.scottcountypartnership.org
• https://www.scottcountyfoundation.org/community-initiatives/community-needs-assessment/
• https://www.in.gov/health/safesleep/fatality-review/overdose-fatality-review/