From Heartache to Hope: Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld's Mission Against Substance Abuse
We have a no shame campaign because, as you mentioned, million Americans over the age of suffer with some sort of substance use disorder and we want to normalize this, make it part of the conversation.
Picture this: Admiral James 'Sandy' Winnefeld, the United States’ number two ranking military officer, and his wife, Mary, are faced with a parent's worst nightmare. Their son Jonathan's battle with anxiety led him down a path of alcohol and prescription medication misuse. Despite their best efforts to find him the right help, Jonathan tragically passed away from an accidental overdose just three days into his college life.
In this poignant episode of 'Heart of the Matter', Elizabeth Vargas sits down with the Winnefelds to discuss their journey through grief and their relentless mission to save lives through the SAFE Project, a nonprofit they founded in their son's memory. The episode dives deep into the struggles of finding effective treatment for substance use, the importance of early intervention, and the need to destigmatize addiction.
The Winnefelds share candidly about their experiences, hoping to provide solace and guidance to other families facing similar battles. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction, offering both a somber reflection and a beacon of hope.