Addressing the Stigma Associated with Substance Use Disorder — Episode 067

We’re in a time where many people are having tough conversations
with friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. We’re living
through a global pandemic, an economic crisis, a fight for racial
equity — and it’s all happening at once.


Amidst all of this, there is another crisis that continues to
exist — the opioid crisis and substance use disorder. According
to Kaiser Health News, the COVID-19 pandemic may be making things
worse as far as the opioid crisis, as treatments and resources
have been disrupted for the people who need them most. And while
talking about substance use disorder is critically important,
conversations are often avoided because of the stigma associated
with it.  


Many park and recreation agencies have started implementing
educational and awareness programs around substance use disorder,
and one of them is the City of Port St. Lucie Parks &
Recreation Department in Florida. We’re honored to be joined on
this episode by the deputy director, Pattie Roberts, who shares
the story of how her son, Danny, died of a heroin overdose at
only 22 years old and how it pushed her to act on the issue of
substance use disorder in her community. We’re joined by Lauren
Kiefert, an NRPA program specialist, to talk about how NRPA is
supporting programs that raise awareness and address substance
use disorder.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn:


What Roberts shared with the 19th Judicial Circuit Bar
Association to raise awareness about opioid use

Why it’s so important to address stigma when educating about
substance use disorder

What efforts Roberts and her staff are making to break down
the stigma associated with substance use disorder

How Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation is engaging the
public in conversations and programming around substance use
disorder

What challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented in
relation to the services Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation
provides that focus on substance use disorder and mental health



To read more about the role park and recreation professionals can
play in addressing substance use disorder, read these posts from
the Substance Use in Parks and Recreation blog series:


Substance Use in Parks and Recreation: We Can’t Do Nothing

The Opposite of Addiction Is Not Sobriety, It’s Connection

The Naloxone Debate — To Carry or Not to Carry

Breaking Down the Stigma of Substance Use

Addressing Other Substances

Alternative Methods for Pain Management