MCPHD
MCPHD
Episode 8: The Power of a Mother's Love
Episode 8: The Power of a Mother's Love
Episode 8: The Power of a Mother's Love
Friday 31st March 2023
Hear how two mothers turned their grief into advocacy after losing their sons to overdoses, emphasizing community support in recovery.
Explicit
55 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
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MCPHD
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Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Turning Grief into Action: A Mother's Love in the Fight Against Substance Use Disorder
It is not helpful for you to tell me that they're in a better place. When people go through that process, sometimes that takes some special mental health therapy or counseling support.
When tragedy strikes, it can either break you or ignite a fire within. In this heartfelt episode of 'Beyond Substance', we meet two remarkable women, Justin Phillips and Alfarena 'Alfie' McGinty, who have chosen the latter path. Both mothers lost their sons to drug overdoses, a pain that’s unimaginable for most. Instead of succumbing to despair, they’ve channeled their grief into powerful advocacy work that’s making a real difference in the fight against substance use disorder.
Justin Phillips, a White House Champion of Change for Advocacy, Prevention, and Treatment, is the founder of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. This non-profit organization aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and prevent opioid overdose deaths. With a Master's in Clinical Addiction Counseling and philanthropic studies, Justin brings both personal and professional expertise to her mission. She also holds a certification in the Grief Recovery Method®, making her a guiding light for those navigating similar losses.
Alfie McGinty has dedicated over 25 years to the Marion County Coroner’s Office, serving as Chief Deputy for 17 of those years. Alfie was one of the first to alert officials about the opioid epidemic and continues to monitor evolving trends in substance-related deaths. Her role involves overseeing more than 4,000 death investigations annually, giving her a unique perspective on the crisis. Throughout this episode, Justin and Alfie discuss how their personal tragedies have fueled their passion for advocacy.
They highlight the importance of community support in recovery and the need for compassionate mental health services for grieving families. One poignant moment comes when Justin shares, 'It is not helpful for you to tell me that they're in a better place.' Her words underscore the necessity for sensitive approaches to grief and loss. Listeners will find inspiration in how these two women have turned their sorrow into meaningful action, proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope.
Their stories remind us that recovery is possible and that community support can make all the difference.