215. Heroin(E) Star and Activist | Jan Rader215. Heroin(E) Star and Activist | Jan Rader
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Jan Rader is a star of the Netflix special Heroin(e) and hero in West Virginia in the drug epidemic. Native of Ironton, Ohio, Jan Rader joined the Huntington Fire Department in August of 1994. Ms. Rader is the first woman to reach the rank of Chief for a career department in the State of West Virginia. She holds a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and an Associates Degree of Science in Nursing from Ohio University. Jan holds many fire service certifications and is also a Fire and EMS Instructor in the State of West Virginia. Chief Rader came to national prominence after the release of the short documentary “Heroin(e)” by Netflix in September of 2017. Then in April of 2018, she was chosen as one of Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She retired from the City of Huntington Fire Department in February of 2022 and currently serves as the Director of the Mayor’s Council of Public Health & Drug Control Policy. The purpose of this council is to address substance use disorder in Huntington and the surrounding communities and to create a holistic approach involving prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement.
45:32•3 Feb 2025
From Fire Chief to Advocate: Jan Rader's Battle Against the Opioid Crisis
Episode Overview
- Jan Rader's journey from firefighter to advocate.
- The role of naloxone in preventing overdose deaths.
- Educating faith leaders to support addiction recovery.
- Challenges faced by women in male-dominated professions.
- Importance of community collaboration in combating drug abuse.
“Advocacy is a big part of all three of those professions, and I certainly don't take it lightly.”
Ever wondered how someone can turn a career in firefighting into a mission to combat the drug epidemic? Meet Jan Rader, the first female fire chief in West Virginia and a star of the Netflix special 'Heroin(e)'. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Jan about her journey from the Huntington Fire Department to becoming an influential advocate against drug abuse.
Jan shares her experiences, challenges, and the innovative solutions she's implemented to tackle the opioid crisis in her community. From carrying naloxone to save lives to educating faith leaders on addiction, Jan's story is both inspiring and eye-opening. This conversation delves into the heart of advocacy, highlighting how determination and community collaboration can make a real difference. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration and practical advice on fighting addiction, this episode is a must-listen.
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