Cover2 Resources

Greg McNeil, Founder and President, interviews Bill Gilliland, the Chief Operating Officer of Treatment Alternatives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Greg interviews JoAnna Krohn, the Founder of SOLACE (Surviving Our Loss and Continuing Everyday). SOLACE is a non-profit organization that provides community for those who’ve lost a loved one to substance abuse.

Greg interviews Jason Merrick, the Director of Addiction Services at Kenton County Detention Center in Covington, Kentucky. He also worked with Sam Quinones on his highly-acclaimed book Dreamland.

Greg interviews Dr. Joe Gay, a Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional and the Executive Director of Health Recovery Services in Athens, Ohio.

Greg interviews Lisa Roberts, a Health Department Nurse for the city of Portsmouth, Ohio. She’s been working as a Portsmouth nurse for the past 29 years.

“We did the genetic testing and she was unable to metabolize oxycodone…So we switched her to just plain morphine at a much lower dose with fewer side effects. She’s doing remarkably well. [Genetic testing] was a game changer for this patient.”

Greg interviews an administrative panel from Lacey Township School District, including Superintendent Craig Wigley, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Clark, and District Supervisor William Zylinski. The Lacey School District has recently addressed a hot topic by conducting random drug testing in their high school. While the school has always been aware of drug testing, they haven’t done random drug testing until fairly recently.

In this episode of the Cover2 Resources Podcast, Greg McNeil, Founder and President, interviews Judge David T. Matia. Judge Matia presides over the Cuyahoga County Drug Court, the first of its kind in Cleveland. He has had a powerful role brokering justice and compassion in the lives of Cleveland’s drug addicts.

Marcie discusses how Marijuana and alcohol use at a young age can lead to substance abuse later in life. She gives the example of kids she’s worked with the Police Department Immersion Program who’ve struggled with Marijuana or alcohol at 15 or 16, struggling with opioids five or six years later.

Back in 2005, Angie’s father and a colleague told Angie of an idea they had to combat drug abuse. As firefighters, they had witnessed a lack of heartfelt preventative efforts by others. So they pitched an idea to Angie, formulated for high school students, offering incentives for passing drug tests.

“If I can get them comfortable and relieve their pain, I’m delighted not to use opioids,” says Dr. Rosenberg.

Jerry Craig, the Executive Director of the Summit County Alcohol, Drug, Addiction and Mental Services Board, is working to get Narcan widely distributed in Summit County. He discusses the Summit County Opiate Task Force.

“The past year has been particularly problematic. Many individuals don’t live to tell about their experiences. It has been very tragic. It has made us really start thinking about the availability of our resources,” says Donna.

“Even after 5 years of recovery, I still needed and wanted support while in Graduate School. I felt like I didn’t fit in,” says Sarah.

“People believe that if you aren’t using any more, then you’re cured,” says Janis. “Recovery is easier to understand if you think of the drug as a symptom of the disease. The drug isn’t the issue, the brain disease is the issue.”

“It’s a quiet spot, tucked away, where people can just walk in. They don’t even have to give us their name,” says Dr. Gaeta.

Greg interviews Orlando Howard, the Manager of Outpatient Services at Rosary Hall of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland. Started in 1865, the medical center has provided healing services to the Cleveland community for over 150 years!

Greg interviews Captain Michael Shearer, Captain of the Akron Police Department Narcotics Division. Captain Shearer has spent 25 years on the police force, in various roles. He has been Captain of the Police Department since 2005. Akron has experienced a tragic spike in heroin overdoses this summer.

Greg interviews Wayne Campbell, the president of Tyler’s Light. Tyler’s Light is a resource for those in Pickerington and Fairfield County, Ohio focused on preventing drug addiction. The foundation sheds light on the severity of drug addiction via community engagement, awareness, education and support.