Cross System Solutions

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S2E19_screenshot

Cross System Solutions

Season 2

Cross System Solutions

Season 2, Episode 19

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Jean-Marie Niebuhr: LCSW-R, Deputy Commissioner of Behavioral Health in Dutchess County, New York

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Jean-Marie Niebuhr (LCSW-R), the Deputy Commissioner of Behavioral Health in Dutchess County, New York. Niebuhr discusses increasing accessibility of mental and behavioral health resources and shares her unique policymaking perspective on barriers to effective treatment and possible solutions to break down those barriers. 

Topics Discussed

  •  Jean-Marie Niebuhr’s journey to the behavioral health field
  • Recovery and mental health resources available in Dutchess County
  • Effects of COVID on the county government’s ability to serve constituents
  • Deinstitutionalization in the mental health field
  • Addressing addiction from clinical and policy perspectives
  • Importance of family support throughout recovery

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “We have to try to figure out strategies to move away from stigma and isolation. One of the things I think we’ve been very fortunate to do, we’ve been able to  applaud recovery through this whole discussion.” – Dr. Larry Force
  • “We would like to be able to challenge ourselves here in Dutchess County to be able to create a system where individuals always have a treatment option no matter what the problem is.” – Jean-Marie Niebuhr
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Presence for Women: Care Across the Lifespan

Season 2

Presence for Women: Care Across the Lifespan

Season 2, Episode 18

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Wendy Noe: CEO of Dove Recovery House for Women in Indianapolis, Indiana

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Wendy Noe, CEO of Dove Recovery House for Women in Indianapolis, Indiana. Noe gives an overview of the holistic philosophy and services provided by Dove Recovery House and joins Dr. Force and Andrew O’Grady in discussing the importance of trauma-informed recovery care.

Topics Discussed

  • Wendy Noe’s journey to the recovery field
  • Overview of the services provided by Dove House
  • Holistic approaches to recovery
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Overview of INTERSECTIONS: A Program Without Boundaries
  • Making inpatient recovery care more accessible
  • Changing age demographics in the recovery community

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “As long as women are dying from addiction and other issues, I’m going to continue to get creative in serving them the best I can.” – Wendy Noe
  • “I love the fact that [at Dove Recovery House] treatment doesn’t start when you enter the brick and mortar, treatment starts when you onboard onto our waiting list and in order to maintain your place on our waiting list you have to be involved in individual and group therapy.” – Dr. Larry Force
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INTERSECTIONS: Program Without Boundaries

Season 2

INTERSECTIONS: Program Without Boundaries

Season 2, Episode 17

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s):

Jim Ball: CRPA, CASAC-T, Director of Peer Services at MHA-Dutchess, NOAAR co-founder

Dave Brinkerhoff: president of the board of Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Centers (MARC) Foundation, NOAAR co-founder

Jim Ball and Dave Brinkerhoff join the INTERSECTIONS Exchange team to discuss INTERSECTIONS: A Program Without Boundaries and the National Organization of Adult Addictions and Recovery (NOAAR). In addition to providing an overview of these organizations, the guest speakers share the importance of peer support in recovery and exciting ne directions in the addiction and mental health fields.

Topics Discussed

  • Theory of dimensionality
  • Need for recovery services in the United States
  • Self-care in recovery
  • Overview of INTERSECTIONS: A Program Without Boundaries
  • Portable and accessible care
  • Different approaches to holistic treatment and recovery
  • Importance of peer support in the recovery process

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “Recover is really about achieving our goals and living more independently, and self-care is a great pathway for that.” – Jim Ball
  • “Addiction is alone; recovery is never alone. You don’t have to do this alone.” – Dr. Larry Force
  • “We have to learn and adjust and try new things. This theory of dimensionality is another tool, and another path for somebody to have. This intervention will not be perfect for most people, they’ll want to go the AA route. But there’s going to be other people who the AA route is not for them, and this will be.” – Andrew O’Grady
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From the Heart

Season 2

From the Heart

Season 2, Episode 16

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Vance Larson: case manager, life coach

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined again by case manager and life coach Vance Larson to discuss the current opioid epidemic in the United States. Each member of the panel shares their personal stories of bearing witness to the effects of the opioid crisis and the holistic approaches to healing and recovery that have the potential to make a positive impact. 

Topics Discussed

  • Vance Larson’s personal experience being affected by the opioid epidemic
  • Relationship between trauma and addiction
  • Stigma of addiction and recovery
  • Dr. Larry Force’s personal experiences with people struggling with addiction
  • Andrew O’Grady’s personal experience being affected by the opioid epidemic
  • Impact of addiction on families
  • Holistic approaches to healing

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “Addiction is real. It’s demoralizing, people have been through trauma, it’s a hard camp and a hard life. For me as a provider, as a clinician, as a case manager, as a chaplain, I just want to give them an opportunity to be themselves and know that this time is sacred and that they are loved and there’s no judgment.” – Vance Larson
  • “You have to find your own path, you have to find what works for you and will keep you clean and sober…and you have to find a balance. There are many programs, and our agency [MHA Dutchess] runs a number of them, that you can walk into and we will start that journey with you.” – Andrew O’Grady
  • “Fail, fail again, fail better, but don’t stop trying. It’s never one thing, like a sauna and meditation for a week. It’s the layering effect…as you begin to change, over time you will realize how far you’ve come.” – Elisa Gwilliam
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Mental Wellness and Recovery: Pacifyr – The Virtual Connection

Season 2

Mental Wellness and Recovery: Pacifyr – The Virtual Connection

Season 2, Episode 15

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s):

Vance Larson: case manager, life coach

Shibu Kizhakevilayil: Co-Founder and CEO of Pacifyr

John Joseph: Co-Founder of Pacifyr

Noel Mancini: Customer Success Manager at Pacifyr

Dave Brinkerhoff: president of the board of Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Centers (MARC) Foundation, NOAAR co-founder

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Vance Larson, Shibu Kizhakevilayil, John Joseph, Noel Mancini, and Dave Brinkerhoff to discuss the app Pacifyr and the integration of technology in mental health treatment. Dr. Larry Force and Andrew O’Grady lead a fascinating and inclusive discussion about the tremendous potential for digital mental health tools like Pacifyr to positively impact people worldwide.

Topics Discussed

  • Evolution of digital mental health platforms as an intervention
  • Isolation and barriers to care during the pandemic
  • Overview of the Pacifyr app
  • Holistic approaches to mental and physical wellness
  • Changes in the mental health sector pre and post-COVID
  • Pacifyr’s global outreach in India and Canada

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “It’s really great for society as a whole to have access technologically to care and wellness through non-traditional means.” – Andrew O’Grady
  • “Whether people are in the school or college environment, or even employees in a corporate environment, they are worried about their peers or colleagues knowing what they are going through whereas this technology enables them to be anonymous and at the same time seek help instantaneously.” – Shibu Kizhakevilayil
  • “We see now during the pandemic there is an explosion of issues that are coming out and people are craving for a platform like ours.” – John Joseph
  • “A lot of people my age might have some sort of negative feeling but don’t know where it’s coming from, so a platform that has all of these options makes it much easier to narrow it down and figure out what’s going on.” – Noel Mancini
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Stories of Hope

Season 2

Stories of Hope

Season 2, Episode 14

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Kerrie Atherton: author and inspirational speaker, founder of Stories of Hope and EMPOWER Life Solutions in Queensland, Australia

Kerrie Atherton joins the INTERSECTIONS Exchange team all the way from Queensland, Australia for a second time! Atherton discusses changes in the mental health field in light of COVID-19 and the incredible power of honesty and understanding to give people hope in recovery.

Topics Discussed

  • Effects of COVID on Stories of Hope and other recovery resources
  • Importance of mental health first-aid
  • Connection and community in recovery
  • Emotional pain during the pandemic
  • Addressing shame and stigma around addiction and recovery
  • Importance of being heard and sharing your story in recovery

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “When people are struggling, people scramble for escapism and alcohol sales have gone through the roof here in Australia…people don’t want to sit with reality, they want to escape from the pain so going through this thing called COVID sober is a hard gig.” – Kerrie Atherton
  • “We tend to be there for other people but we don’t always feel comfortable reaching out ourselves for help. Sitting with [emotional pain] will make you stronger but sometime it can be overwhelming” – Andrew O’Grady
  • “Shame comes from the fear of being judged and the feeling of being judged… I think that when we give people grace and a listening ear and no judgment, that gives them a  key to a door to freedom to know that they can walk back in a new door and start all over again.” – Kerrie Atherton
  • “In recovery, I think we can all agree, there really is a strength. That strength of resiliency, of getting back up, and moving forward.” – Dr. Larry Force
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From Self to Peer: All in a Lifetime

Season 2

From Self to Peer: All in a Lifetime

Season 2, Episode 13

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Linda Ferdico: Regional Director of Peer Services at Independent Living based in Newburgh, New York

In this episode of INTERSECTIONS Policy, Program and Practice Exchange the team is joined by Linda Ferdico who serves as Regional Director of Peer Services at Independent Living in Newburgh, New York. Along with her personal journey to the recovery field, Federico shares her passion for peer support networks and important tools for recovery and harm reduction during the pandemic and beyond.

Topics Discussed

  • Updates on mental health resources in the Hudson Valley
  • Linda Ferdico’s journey to the mental health field
  • Different definitions of ‘peer’ in the mental health and addiction fields
  • Social determinants of health and wellness
  • Harm reduction
  • Mental health response to COVID-19
  • Tools for recovery

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “We’re able to create and promote programs that will really meet someone where they’re at; to take away the stigma, to take away the judgment and to really be honored to be walking with this person on their recovery journey.” – Linda Ferdico
  • “I love that we can hire peers now. It’s so vital because…as providers, I like to break down the silos, but we only see what we see and we can’t really fix things unless we understand what’s not working.” – Andrew O’Grady
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Independence of Recovery

Season 2

Independence of Recovery

Season 2, Episode 12

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Doug Hovey: President and CEO of Independent Living based in Newburgh, New York

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Doug Hovey, CEO of Independent Living in Newburgh, New York to discuss the importance of peer support and the need to merge addiction and mental health infrastructures. Around 25:00, Dr. Force, O’Grady, and Hovey discuss the exciting potential for new technology to revolutionize mental healthcare and increase access to people in need.

Topics Discussed

  • History of Independent Living 
  • Doug Hovey’s journey to the recovery field
  • ‘Peer rapid deployment’ to respond to hospital and crisis calls
  • Silos in mental health and addiction resources
  • Digital mental health platforms
  • Deinstitutionalization of mental health

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “It’s important to have [a provider] connected to you, but unless you can actually give it the time that it takes to make progress and address social determinants as well as addiction…it’s a struggle.” – Andrew O’Grady
  • “When you call [Independent Living], we don’t stop you at the front door and ask for your insurance. We don’t ask you a thousand questions. We ask: how can we help you?” – Doug Hovey
  • “This idea of arming your case workers with technological support in order to encompass more people at any time is incredible—because that’s the beauty of it, it can be accessed at any time.” – Dr. Larry Force
  • “We need to build the services that we would want to access ourselves.” – Dr. Larry Force
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The Power of Lived Experience

Season 2

The Power of Lived Experience

Season 2, Episode 11

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Vance Larson: case manager, life coach

Curtis Paul: Executive Director of Recovery Resources Center based in Salisbury, Maryland

Dr. Larry Force is joined by life coach Vance Larson and Executive Director of Recovery Resource Center Curtis Paul to discuss changes in the recovery community. Additionally, the panel discusses the importance of honesty and celebration in recovery and the power of hope transmitted through the sharing of recovery stories. 

Topics Discussed

  • Overview of the Recovery Resource Center and resources provided
  • Importance of celebration in recovery
  • Peer support in recovery
  • Curtis Paul’s journey to the recovery field
  • Addiction and recovery-based communities
  • Importance of ‘tearing down walls’ and sharing your story to give others hope in recovery
  • Value of digital mental health support

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “Whatever we can provide to the community to build our recovery network and build that support network and that support system to help people be more successful, that’s what we’re here for.” – Curtis Paul
  • “Whether we are trying to not face reality, whether we are trying to suppress what happened to us, whether we are just trying to get through life and not feel, [in terms of treating this trauma], tearing down the old way of mental health? I love that concept.” – Vance Larson
  • “The thing that we know is the power of lived experience…it’s a gift.” – Dr. Larry Force
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Taste of Recovery

Season 2

Taste of Recovery

Season 2, Episode 10

Host(s): Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady, Elisa Gwilliam

Guest(s): Breezy Nowlan: founder and CEO of Taste Recovery based in Los Angeles, California

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Breezy Nowlan, the founder and CEO of Taste Recovery, a nationwide sober living directory platform. Nowlan shares her personal experience in recovery, rehabilitation and sober living and describes how this experience inspired her to create a free and easily accessible network of high-quality sober living facilities. At 23:00, Nowlan and Andrew O’Grady discuss the importance of treating addiction and trauma simultaneously instead of separately.

Topics Discussed

  • Breezy Nowlan’s journey through recovery and into the recovery field
  • Difficulties with corrupt sober living facilities
  • Outline and mission of Taste Recovery
  • Intersections of addiction and PTSD
  • Importance of treating addiction and trauma together
  • Alcoholism as a disease instead of a character flaw

Resources

Key Quote(s)

  • “When I finally got sober, I think that’s when people were definitely like ‘oh wow, you’re really different, I didn’t realize how miserable you were before and how much of a light has come back on since getting sober.’” – Breezy Nowlan
  • “We’ve got to get to a place where we’re really focusing on the whole person and dealing with all of it [addiction and trauma together], not just one or the other.” – Andrew O’Grady
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