The Faces of Fentany

Awkward Conversations

Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy as they explore the human side of the fentanyl crisis. Hear from Andrea Thomas, Dr. Gary Kirkilas, and Kevin Collins about the devastating impact of fentanyl and efforts to combat this epidemic. This episode highlights the importance of open conversations and offers hope for a brighter future. Educate yourself, support loved ones, and be part of the solution.

Key Takeaways

• This episode revisits the fentanyl crisis and emphasizes that behind every statistic is a real family suffering loss.
• Illicit fentanyl is widespread and can affect anyone, even those without a prior history of substance use.
• Fentanyl can cause death even with minimal exposure, making it extremely dangerous.
• Emphasizes the danger of fentanyl even for those without a history of substance use.
• Stresses the need for open conversions and education about the dangers of fentanyl.
• No one should take anything not prescribed for them by their doctor and purchased from a legitimate pharmacy.

Key Moments:

• [01:04] Andrea Thomas: A Mother's Story
• [03:51] The Mission of Voices for Awareness
• [08:59] Dr. Gary Kirklis: Frontline Insights
• [14:31] Mental Health and Substance Use
• [15:45] Advocacy and Legislation
• [20:33]DEA Initiatives and Family Support
• [26:35] Final Thoughts and Call to Action

BIOS:

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.@jodiesweetin

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is a Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine. She has been working in the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program since 2019

@amymccarthylicsw

Dr. Gary Kirkilas is a general pediatrician with a unique practice. His office is a 40 foot mobile medical unit that travels to various homeless shelters in Phoenix providing free medical care to families. He serves as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, giving commentary on trending pediatric issues in the media. As a spokesperson, he is often called to speak on the effects of cannabis advertising on children as well as advocate for more mental health access for youth. He and his lovely wife, have four wonderful (most of the time) children and one dachshund. @dr_gary_kirkilas

Kevin Collins serves as Senior Prevention Program Manager for Drug Enforcement Administration Community Outreach and Prevention Services. In this capacity, he leads efforts to collaborate with national organizations and support families affected by substance use. Prior to joining the DEA Kevin worked for the Partnership to End Addiction for two decades with a focus on family services. He served in the US Army Reserves, including a deployment to Bosnia, and worked for the New York State Legislature.

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 91 international field divisions in 68 countries.

Resources & Links

SAMHSA | Help and Treatment https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC

Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY

DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

DEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7Uj

DEA on Twitter: https://bit.ly/44VvEUt

DEA on Facebook: https://bit.ly/440b6ZY

DEA YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3s1KQB6

Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

Elks DAP on Twitter: https://bit.ly/45CfpvR

Elks DAP on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qw8RKL

Elks DAP on YouTube: https://bit.ly/444vMQq

https://museum.dea.gov/**

(https://museum.dea.gov/

https://www.dea.gov/familysummit

https://www.dea.gov/dea-social-media-...

Jodie Sweetin’s Links

/ jodiesweetin

https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?...

Amy McCarthy’s Links

/ amymccarthylicsw

Boston Children’s Hospital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonchild...

Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/dep...

Andrea Thomas’s Links

/ facingfentanyl

Dr. Kirkilas’s Links

drgarykirkilas.com

/ @drgarykirkilas

/ gary.kirkilas.7

/ dr_gary_kirkilas