Tackling The Opioid Epidemic with The Prescription Playbook

This week on Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we’re joined by Beauty and Gail from the West Side Opioid Task Force. They share their lived experiences, the impactful work they do in their community, and the vital role peer support plays in recovery and prevention. Together, they discuss why empathy, understanding, and meeting people where they are can make a lasting difference in the lives of others and help create stronger, healthier communities.

This week on Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we sit down with Izzy a public speaker, nationally ranked powerlifter, and instructor at Harper College. Through his presentations, Izzy inspires middle and high school students to pursue their passions boldly, build confidence, and overcome obstacles with resilience. Drawing from his own experiences in athletics, education, and leadership, he shares powerful lessons on mindset, perseverance, and the importance of believing in yourself. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about finding purpose, pushing past limits, and empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.

This week on Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we’re turning the mic toward our own host and Prevention Specialist, Erika Hahn. Erika shares her lived experience as an athlete, from competing at a young age through adulthood, and opens up about the challenges and lessons she faced along the way. From firsthand injuries and the transition from high school to college sports to healthy coping skills and finding her path into public health, this episode is an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and purpose.

In this episode, Prevention Specialist Sarah is joined by Ben Rudolph, a Recovery Specialist at Chestnut Health Systems and an active member of the ROSC Care Council Region 2, supporting communities across Illinois. Ben is a certified drug and alcohol counselor, a peer recovery specialist, and someone with lived experience who has been in recovery since 2003.Together, they explore Ben’s personal journey, how he applies his experiences to support others, and the critical role resilience plays in sustaining long-term recovery. Tune in to hear a powerful and inspiring conversation.

 On this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we sit down with our own team member, Marissa Thompson, who works with the Illinois Emerging Adult population. Marissa shares how she got her start in this work and how her experiences fueled her passion for prevention. 

On this episode, we’re excited to welcome more members from Take Action Today: Teea, the Program Coordinator, along with Jessica, Jerome, and Daniel, Youth Engagement Specialists. They share their lived experiences and discuss how their work supports and empowers the communities they serve. Together, we explore substance use prevention through a community-centered lens and talk about disrupting generational patterns to create lasting change.

In this episode, Prevention Specialist Sarah sits down with Ben Rudolph, a Recovery Specialist at Chestnut Health and a member of the ROSC Care Council in Region 2, serving communities across Illinois. Ben is a certified drug and alcohol counselor, a peer recovery specialist, and a person with lived experience who has been in recovery since 2003. Together, they discuss Ben’s personal recovery journey, how he uses his experience and training to support others, and the powerful role resilience plays in long-term recovery. Tune in now to hear his inspiring story. 

In this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, Prevention Specialist Leah sits down with Mandy and Torie from Take Action Today. Mandy serves as the ROSC Coordinator, and Torie is a Harm Reduction and Peer Recovery Specialist.Together, they share their personal journeys into this work and reflect on the powerful impact Take Action Today has had not only on their own lives, but on the broader community. This conversation explores the importance of accessible resources, the distinction between substance use and substance misuse, and the need to reduce stigma surrounding both. Tune in to learn how community-driven support and education can truly make a difference.

This week on Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we sit down with Kayla DeCant, Project Director of Prevention and Outreach at Lewis University. We discuss the realities of sexual assault on campus, how students can look out for one another through effective prevention strategies, and where to find support. We also share key resources for anyone impacted by sexual assault.Click here to access resources: https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/campaigns/know-your-ix/ https://endrapeoncampus.org/

 In this episode, we’re excited to have on our very own Prescription Playbook Team, featuring Prevention Specialists Erika Hahn, Sarah Gruden, and Leah Naraine, along with Digital Marketing Specialist Allison Bautista. Together, we dive into all things Drug Take Back Day, what it is, how to spread the word in our communities, why it matters, and how safe disposal protects us all. We’ll also share resources and tips for finding local drop-off locations. Tune in to learn more!