"FREE NALOXONE" with District Attorney Mark Powell

"FREE NALOXONE" with District Attorney Mark Powell

How do you tackle an opioid crisis head-on? In this episode of AllBetter, Joe Van Wie sits down with District Attorney Mark Powell, who has made it his mission to combat the opioid epidemic in Lackawanna County. Powell, co-chair of the Lackawanna Recovery Coalition, opens up about his tireless efforts to reduce overdose deaths by connecting people with substance use disorders to treatment and implementing harm-reduction strategies.

From the Fresh Start Program, which offers treatment instead of jail for lower-level offenders, to the Overdose Fatality Review Team that seeks to uncover the root causes of addiction-related deaths, Powell's initiatives are multifaceted and deeply compassionate. He also discusses the critical role of Narcan in saving lives and its increasing availability in schools and communities.

Powell doesn't shy away from the tough topics, addressing the impact of COVID-19 on harm reduction efforts and looking ahead to future policies and initiatives aimed at supporting long-term recovery. His insights provide a blend of professional expertise and personal commitment, making this episode a must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in addiction recovery.

Whether you're looking for practical solutions or a dose of hope, Powell's approach to meeting individuals where they are offers a refreshing perspective on tackling this pressing issue.