Fighting Addiction with Courage: Hayley Jelinek's Story
Episode Overview
Hayley Jelinek shares her son's story of addiction and loss. The episode highlights the importance of overdose prevention education. Hayley discusses emerging drug issues like Kratom and Titipatine. Tony LaGreca emphasises community support in fighting addiction. The conversation explores legislative changes needed to address drug abuse.
Not one more person, not one more kid should have to die because of this.
In this episode of Courage to Hope, Tony LaGreca is joined by Hayley Jelinek, a passionate health educator and social worker from Nebraska. Hayley shares the heart-wrenching story of her son Ian, who tragically lost his life due to substance abuse. With raw honesty, she recounts Ian's struggles with mental health and addiction, shedding light on the challenges faced by many families in similar situations.
Hayley describes her journey from being a social worker to becoming an advocate for overdose prevention and emerging drug issues. Her work now involves educating communities about the dangers of substances like Kratom and Titipatine, often sold as 'gas station heroin'. Through her efforts, Hayley aims to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak she has endured.
Tony and Hayley discuss the importance of awareness and action, emphasising the need for community support and legislative changes to tackle the drug crisis. This conversation is not just about grief but also about hope and resilience. Hayley's determination to fight against addiction and educate others is a testament to her courage. If you're looking for a story that combines personal struggle with a powerful message of hope, this episode is worth your time.