A conversation with a trailblazer making naloxone more accessible and saving lives

Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic

With fentanyl being the number one killer of Americans under 50, it’s more important than ever to have easy access to naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses. In fact, naloxone has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Today, on a heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, we are privileged to have Justin Phillips join us—a remarkable woman at the forefront of making naloxone more accessible. Her unwavering mission stems from personal tragedy; she endured the devastating loss of her son, Aaron, to a drug overdose.
Justin’s advocacy has left an indelible mark, leading to an Indiana law named after her son that increases Narcan accessibility. Beyond this legislative milestone, she founded the non-profit Overdose Lifeline and has received multiple awards for her tireless and life-saving efforts.
Justin and Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke have also attended several of the same advocacy events, including being invited to the White House to meet with some of the nation’s top officials tackling the drug crisis. You can read about Angela’s experience at that meeting on her blog.
We hope this episode leaves you more informed about our nation’s drug crisis, more inspired to make a difference and brings comfort to those who have lost a child to drugs.

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For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz