Advertise on podcast: Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together

This episode represents the series finale for the Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together podcast.  Host Heather Major looks back and reflects on the podcast series, and features impactful clips from a number of guests over the past 6 years. On this episode, you will learn the origin story of the podcast and how its purpose of destigmatizing the disease of addiction and helping to reduce the social stigma of the disease, came to life. The episode concludes with a few key takeaways, a call to action to continue the conversation and what is next in terms of podcasting from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org. TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joins our host Heather Major for episode 4 of Someone You Know.   This episode was recorded in September 2025, National Recovery Month. In this episode, we discuss:  ●      How Dr. Davis-Jones is leading the charge in elevating the power of recovery in Pennsylvania. ●      The resource implementations the state is making to showcase that recovery is possible, and that there is hope. ●      The importance of connectedness within communities of all demographics. ●      And, the statewide engagement tour Dr. Davis-Jones is currently on To learn more about the Life Unites Us campaign, visit www.LifeUnitesUs.com.  For 24/7 access to the Pennsylvania Get Help Now hotline, that phone number is 1-800-662-HELP.   Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org. TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

Pennsylvania Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder  joins our host Heather Major for episode 3 of Someone You Know.   This episode was recorded in May 2025 in front of a live studio audience. In this episode, we discuss: The vast career of Commissioner Winder, spanning various roles in health and human services, particularly with underserved populations The personal connection that influenced her choice to join this line of work. The innovative and strategic ways Montgomery County is striving to use the opioid settlement dollars, to make a real impact. Collegiate Recovery Programs - and how 4 institutions in Montgomery County alone have implemented this program. The importance of Connection in the substance use recovery journey Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org. TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

Stephen Knight, founder of Dogs Matter joins our Host Heather Major for episode two of Someone You Know.  In this episode, we discuss: The story of friendship, connection and fostering of his now 18-year-old dog Jade who sparked Stephen's initial idea for Dogs Matter. How his organization uses connectedness to create a safe space for pet owners during their recovery journey. What it was like to grow up in an environment of stigma and why Stephen does not allow it to define who he is today. And the recognition Stephen received as CNN's Hero of the Year. This year, Dogs Matter is on track to help more than 2,000 dogs in Texas alone with more than 80% of those pets from the Dallas Fort Worth area. This week, Dogs Matter will be celebrating 10 years of life-saving impact, ensuring that individuals in recovery can get the help they need while knowing their beloved pets are safe and cared for with their Tails of Triumph fundraising event.  Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org. TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

Cassandra Matthews, creator behind Cass and the City and Kellen Matthews, founder of Philadelphia's Recovery Run Club join our Host Heather Major for the season 4 opener of Someone You Know.   In this episode, we discuss:  The turning point that inspired Kellen's Recovery.  The pivotal role connection has played in that journey, especially with family.  The doctor that introduced Kellen to running and how it's led him to multiple 100 plus mile runs, as well as participating in at least one marathon a month in 2024.   A peek into how Cass is feeling about her own first race at this year's Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, and the impact of social media to connect with and grow a community like this.   Today, the Recovery Run Club meets monthly and is for anyone on the recovery journey, as well as a place where loved ones and allies can show up and participate, too.   Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org.   TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.  Disclaimers  The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.  If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

Chris Molaro is the CEO of NeuroFlow, a digital behavioral health platform that delivers mental health support while tracking and assessing progress through the app. Chris is a graduate of West Point and the University of Pennsylvania, and served in the army for five years, including a tour in Iraq as a platoon leader. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of behavioral health tools for front-line workers, both military and healthcare The ways technology and data can help with access to care How 'access to care' is not binary, and recovery is not linear Removing the barriers to the access of information The importance of all behavioral health resources creating a united front and working together. Why they call NeuroFlow "The Netflix for Mental Health." Today, NeuroFlow is helping 15 million Americans across the country, providing the tools to those who need it, where they are at, in pursuit to create the most engaging digital mental health experience.   Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org. TM 2023 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as an endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Bethany Franklin is a Lead Family Therapist, M.Ed., LCSW, CAADC, RAE and Tom McDermitt the Sr. Regional Resource Director, BA, AAC, RAE for Caron Treatment Centers. In this episode, we discuss: How addiction as a family disease The roles family and support systems play in recovery How Caron is supporting inclusive recovery environments Equitable access to recovery treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond What it looks like to enter a recovery journey with Caron Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org . TM 2023 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as an endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Dr. Jerome Adams is the 20th Surgeon General of the United States and former member of the President's Coronavirus task force and is presently a Presidential Fellow and the Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University. In this episode, we hear Dr. Adam's speak on the importance of prevention in opioid use while exploring the interplay between substance misuse, mental health, and infectious disease. Dr. Adams also reflects on his panel discussion during the Independence Blue Cross Foundation's 2018 Someone You Know conference and offers insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic presented new treatment options for those seeking recovery. At Purdue University, Dr. Adams is working to leverage the 40,000 undergraduate students, thousands of graduate students, faculty, and staff to move the needle on important issues across the state of Indiana. This includes mental health and substance misuse, infectious diseases, and food for health. Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources, and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2023 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone is the Director of the Division of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine Initiatives and a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a successful published research author. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Perrone's role as a national leader in efforts to address the opioid epidemic through her thoughts on stigmas in emergency medicine, equitable access to care through spearheading Penn's CareConnect "warmline," the stigma around using lifesaving medications to treat substance use disorder, and Dr. Perrone's hope for the larger impact of her work.   Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2022 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Murphy Jensen is a former professional tennis player who co-founded a digital health management company, WEconnect, to support others in the recovery community. In this episode, we hear about Murphy's journey with substance misuse and recovery, while exploring the importance of digital tools when bridging the gap in equitable access to care. Murphy discusses how his own recovery journey has impacted him to help others battling with Substance Use Disorder. Murphy has a new feature documentary coming out soon called "Born to Serve." The film explores the cultural impact to the world of tennis of the Jensen brothers during the 1990's, and how addiction recovery took Murphy in a direction beyond his wildest dreams. You can watch the trailer here. Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2022 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

United States Representative Madeleine Dean and her son Harry Cunnane recently joined Independence Blue Cross' Someone You Know Associate Resource Group for a virtual town hall. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Flynn, Government Affairs Specialist and Co-lead of the Someone You Know Associate Resource Group, with an introduction by Stephen P. Fera, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. In this episode, host Heather Major narrates the virtual town hall event, which highlights Harry's personal journey to recovery, how Rep. Dean is advocating for federal funding of collegiate recovery programs, and the inspiration behind their memoir, "Under Our Roof: A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son." Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

The Honorable John F. White, Jr. is the President & CEO of The Consortium, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that provides holistic, community-based services for the empowerment and recovery of all who seek assistance with behavioral health and substance use. Kyle Shearer is a client of The Consortium who benefited from its services throughout his journey to recovery. In this episode, we discuss staying committed to recovery during times of transition, the pandemic's impact on individuals struggling with addiction, and the value of support services that address the social determinants of health. For more information on The Consortium, visit https://consortiuminc.org.   Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Angela Smith is the Head of School at The Bridge Way School, Philadelphia's first recovery high school. Kristen Harootunian is a Bridge Way School alumni and public speaker in active recovery. In this episode, we discuss the challenges young people face when overcoming addiction, the impact of recovery resources in high schools, and how The Bridge Way School creates a learning environment that helps students succeed in their recovery journey. For more information on The Bridge Way School, visit www.thebridgewayschool.org. Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Mary FitzGerald is the CEO of Eluna, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by grief or addiction through innovative resources and programs. Briana Cunningham is a public affairs specialist at Independence Blue Cross, whose family has been impacted by substance use disorder. In this episode, we discuss Briana's experience throughout her sister's struggle with addiction, how her family has navigated the journey, and how Eluna provides children with the tools to help restore hope and break the intergenerational cycle of addiction. For more information on Eluna, visit https://elunanetwork.org. To access the Eluna Resource Center, visit https://elunanetwork.org/resources. Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Chris Herren is a former professional basketball player turned author, speaker, and advocate for the recovery community. In this episode, we hear about Chris' journey with substance misuse and recovery, exploring the intersection between the pressure to perform and addiction. Chris discusses how he has used his platform to promote prevention education for students, athletes, and communities. Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK.  TM 2021 Someone You Know(R). All Rights Reserved.  Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.  This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.  This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.