[00:00:00] Foreign hello there and welcome back to another episode of Just say Something Podcast. My name is Philip Clark and I am the CEO here at Just say Something.
[00:00:20] And before we get in today's program, I want to make sure that you, like, share and subscribe Just say Something podcast and help us to grow our reach so we can have a bigger impact.
[00:00:39] So today I want to take a few minutes to talk about something very close to our hearts and our mission here at Just say Something.
[00:00:48] And that's International Overdose Awareness day, which is August 31st.
[00:00:58] This is a day of remembrance, a day of education, and a day of action.
[00:01:05] It's a moment to honor the lives lost to overdose, to acknowledge the grief of the families and the friends left behind, and to share a light on the reality of addiction without shame or stigma.
[00:01:23] Let me start by saying this.
[00:01:26] Overdose does not discriminate.
[00:01:29] It doesn't care how old you are, what neighborhood you live in, what kind of family you come from, or what your GPA was in school.
[00:01:40] We have seen the impact of substance use and overdose ripple through every part of of our community.
[00:01:49] Here in South Carolina and across the country, overdose deaths are rising, especially from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
[00:01:59] These are not just statistics. These are sons, daughters, parents and partners, neighbors and friends.
[00:02:09] Many of them never thought they would find themselves at risk.
[00:02:14] So today I want to do three things on this episode.
[00:02:20] One, break the silence about overdose and addiction.
[00:02:26] Two, talk about what we can do, especially as parents, caring adults and community.
[00:02:34] And three, and most importantly, remember the people we've lost.
[00:02:41] The first thing we must do is recognize that shame and secrecy fuel this epidemic.
[00:02:48] Too often, we don't talk about it until it's too late.
[00:02:52] Families don't know what to look for. Kids don't feel like they can ask questions. And we as a community sometimes stay silent out of fear, judgment, or just not knowing what to say.
[00:03:06] But silence cost lives.
[00:03:10] That's why just say something exists.
[00:03:14] We are here to give people, especially youth and parents, the tools, the language, and the courage to speak up.
[00:03:22] Whether it's having that first awkward talk about vaping, asking your friend if they're okay, or knowing when to seek help, these conversations matter.
[00:03:35] Overdose awareness starts with honest conversations.
[00:03:39] That means talking about the dangers of counterfeit pills.
[00:03:43] That means educating people about the presence of fentanyl in substances they might think are safe.
[00:03:51] And that means reminding our teens that one wrong decision could have life changing consequences.
[00:04:01] But it also means showing compassion.
[00:04:04] Because no one starts using, thinking they'll end up addicted.
[00:04:09] Many are struggling with trauma, mental health challenges, are just looking for an escape.
[00:04:16] They need help, not judgment.
[00:04:19] So what can we do as individuals, family and as a community?
[00:04:26] First, and I always say this is to get educated, know what substances are out there, what the risks are and how addiction works.
[00:04:37] We offer workshops, community sessions. Just say something that can help with that.
[00:04:44] Second, safely dispose of unused prescription meds.
[00:04:50] You'd be surprised how many people, especially teens, start by misusing meds from a family medicine cabinet.
[00:04:59] We support locking pill bottles through our Power Collective initiative, local drop off events and encourage everyone to clean out those cabinets regularly.
[00:05:11] Third, have a talk. It doesn't have to be perfect.
[00:05:15] Just start the conversation. Ask your kids what they're seeing, tell them what your expectations are and listen.
[00:05:25] Really listen.
[00:05:27] Fourth, carry Naloxone, also known as Narcan. If you don't know what that is, it's a life saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose.
[00:05:39] You don't have to be a doctor to use it.
[00:05:41] Here in South Carolina, you can get it at many pharmacies and there are free training programs that will show you how to use it.
[00:05:50] And finally, support those who are grieving.
[00:05:53] If you know someone who has lost a loved one to overdose, reach out.
[00:06:01] Let them know you're thinking of them.
[00:06:04] This day is especially hard for them.
[00:06:09] On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we've lost.
[00:06:16] Maybe you're thinking of a family member, a student, a neighbor, a friend.
[00:06:22] Maybe you've experienced loss yourself.
[00:06:27] We see you, we stand with you, and we honor the memory of those no longer with us by continuing the fight for prevention, education and compassion.
[00:06:40] Each year, thousands of people around the world gather on August 31st to light candles, wear purple, share stories and raise awareness.
[00:06:52] If you can find a local event or even just take a moment to reflect, post something or have that conversation you've been putting off.
[00:07:03] Because every story told helps break stigma.
[00:07:08] Every life, remember, builds hope.
[00:07:13] And every step we take together brings us closer to a future where overdose is no longer leading cause of death, but a thing of the past.
[00:07:25] Before I wrap up, I just want to say if you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
[00:07:32] Reach out.
[00:07:34] Ask for help.
[00:07:36] We're here.
[00:07:37] There are resources, there is hope.
[00:07:42] And there are people who care.
[00:07:44] If you want to learn more about how to talk with your kids, how to get involved, or how to support someone in recovery, visit our Power collective
[email protected] and follow us on social media for tools, tips and local events.
[00:08:02] This August 31st, let's not just remember, let's act.
[00:08:08] Let's speak up. Let's break the silence.
[00:08:12] Thank you for listening.
[00:08:15] Take care of yourself and each other.
[00:08:21] Remember, if you or someone you know needs help.
[00:08:25] 988 is our local crisis line and is available 24, 7, 365 and here in the upstate the call is answered most likely here in Greenville so you can be connected to local resources.
[00:08:42] So that'll do it for another episode of Just say Something Podcasts. Please remember to like, share and subscribe. Subscribe and we will see you next time.
