Episode #124 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Ed Ternan on Song for Charlie Fentanyl Prevention ToolsEpisode #124 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Ed Ternan on Song for Charlie Fentanyl Prevention Tools
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
How do we educate our youth on the dangers of fentanyl? Song for Charlie has free educational resources. Listen to a conversation with Ed Ternan, father of Charlie, who pivoted his marketing career to overdose prevention. Ed Ternan’s professional background includes marketing communications, product development and project management. A pragmatic “problem solver,” he has extensive experience building teams and managing strategic partnerships. Since Charlie’s death, he has dedicated himself to informing young people about new risks of self-medication and recreational drug use in the age of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Ed and his wife Mary have formed a nonprofit charity called Song for Charlie, where they create and distribute social media campaigns and educational materials. Their programs provide fact-based resources directly to young people in plain language and encourage healthier alternatives for managing stress. Ed has a BS in Political Science from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
1:06:52•8 May 2023
A Father's Mission: Educating Youth on Fentanyl Dangers
Episode Overview
- Ed Ternan's personal journey and the founding of Song for Charlie
- The need for a national response to the fentanyl crisis
- Challenging cultural norms and tailored drug education
- Insights into upstream and downstream solutions
- Emphasis on prevention science and life skills education
“We need to break out drug sellers from drug users and treat them differently. Let's admit that none of us have all the answers and start talking to each other.”
Imagine losing a child to a preventable tragedy. For Ed Ternan, this heartbreak became a catalyst for change. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Ed to discuss his journey from marketing professional to advocate for fentanyl awareness after the loss of his son, Charlie. Ed and his wife Mary have channeled their grief into action by founding the nonprofit charity, Song for Charlie. Their mission?
To educate young people about the dangers of synthetic drugs like fentanyl using straightforward, fact-based resources. Ed's story is not just one of personal loss but also of resilience and determination to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. The episode dives deep into the challenges of modern drug education, highlighting the need for tailored messaging that resonates with different audiences.
Ed shares how Song for Charlie uses social media campaigns and educational materials to reach young people directly, promoting healthier ways to manage stress and avoid self-medication. Dr. Lev and Ed also explore the broader cultural shifts needed to tackle the fentanyl crisis effectively. They discuss the importance of prevention science and equipping youth with essential life skills to navigate today's drug landscape. This conversation is both eye-opening and heart-wrenching, offering valuable insights for anyone concerned about drug-related issues.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the wellbeing of our youth, this episode provides a compelling look at the urgent need for a national response to the fentanyl epidemic.
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