Episode 18 - A Conversation with Gail Maddox Taylor

05/15/20 • 36 min

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Gail Maddox Taylor is the Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness (OBHW) for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). In this role, Gail provides leadership in the development and implementation of comprehensive substance use disorder prevention systems at the state and community levels – including efforts to address opioids and overdose. She also oversees Virginia’s initiatives in both suicide prevention and Mental Health First Aid, as well as the State’s new Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Initiative and Behavioral Health Disparities, including the Virginia Refugee Healing Partnership.

In our discussion, Gail explains the concept of 'behavioral health wellness' and the importance of prevention work happening throughout the Commonwealth - particularly given the social isolation being experienced during the current COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares the circumstances that led her to a career in prevention.

Resources mentioned in this episode: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Office of Behavioral Health Wellness website: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-wellness

Virginia DBHDS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DBHDS/

Virginia DBHDS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaDBHDS

A Guide to SAMHSA's Straegic Prevention Framework: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/20190620-samhsa-strategic-prevention-framework-guide.pdf

Virginia DBHDS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DBHDS/

Virginia DBHDS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaDBHDS

A Guide to SAMHSA's Straegic Prevention Framework: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/20190620-samhsa-strategic-prevention-framework-guide.pdf

Previous Episode

Episode 17 - A Conversation with Peer Recovery Specialist Bently Wood

Bently Wood is a lifelong resident of the New River Valley and is also in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.

Bently currently works for New River Valley Community Services as a Certified and Registered Peer Recovery Specialist. He is a February 2019 graduate of the Montgomery County Adult Drug Treatment Court and a former client of NRVCS.

Today, he is able to enjoy healthy relationships with his two adult daughters, and other family members, as well as his friends in recovery. Bently loves his life today.

Resources noted in this episode (and others):

401 Peer Center Facebook page: www.facebook.com/401PeerCenter

VOCAL Virginia website: www.vocalvirginia.org

SAARA (Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance) website: www.saara.org Documentary – “Pleasure Unwoven”: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA8F89537FD4C3FD1 SMART Recovery Stages of Change Information – A page that includes links to multiple resources related to change.

Stages of Change YouTube video – A 5 minute explanation of the stages of change

SpiritWorks Foundation – “Our mission is to educate, equip, empower, and celebrate individuals, families, and communities on the journey from addiction to recovery.”

Recovery Answers – The Recovery Research Institute is a leading nonprofit research institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery.

Can Love Survive Addiction and Codependency – ASK is an exploration of alcoholism, drug addiction, and codependency. The documentary explains these topics in a way not seen before. At 1 hour, 20 minutes, ASK explores real issues through real people's stories, and provides clear cut hope and direction.

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Episode 19 - A Conversation with Emily Cook of Cook Nutrition

Emily Cook, a Registered Dietitian, owns a private practice in Pearisburg, Virginia, that specializes in one-on-one nutritional counseling. In our discussion, Emily explains how the foods we eat impact our overall well-being and she also dispels some of the common myths about what it takes to eat healthy and maintain a well-balanced diet. (Sorry, but you really can do it without ‘breaking the bank.’)

A wife and mother of three, Emily also shares tips about how to do meal planning and grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources mentioned in this episode: Cook Nutrition, LLC website: https://cooknutritionllc.com/

Cook Nutrition, LLC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooknutrition Cook Nutrition, LLC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooknutrition/ Learn about the five basic food groups, get recipes, and more: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ General nutrition information (categorized by age group – toddler through elderly) all material developed and written by Registered Dietitians: http://www.eatright.org