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The Local Lens

The Local Lens

The Local Lens

The Local Lens is a podcast from the Powell County Health Department and Northeast Kentucky RHIO where we dive into our community’s experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the community has a different vantage point of what the drug issue looks like, shaped by their personal lives and professional roles. In this show, we are showcasing as many of those perspectives as we can through honest and informative conversations. By broadcasting the conversations here, we hope to reduce stigma and begin to find solutions. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Help us out by taking this survey! https://forms.gle/B3jLoBT2jPZKyru66
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Top 10 The Local Lens Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Local Lens episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Local Lens for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Local Lens episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Local Lens - All for Ale-8's and Cigarettes - James Oney
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05/18/22 • 28 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
People end up going to treatment for all kinds of reasons, but this one might be the best: Ale-8 and cigarettes. All James Oney wanted was to get out of his jail cell so he could enjoy Kentucky's favorite soft drink and ciggy in the sunshine, and Morehead Inspiration Center was willing to offer that.
Offering treatment as an alternative to jail time is proving to be a life-changing practice, and it makes sense. You wouldn't expect people to choose to go to an around-the-clock facility on their own, where their freedoms are limited and people are monitoring them. Some people will only choose treatment as an alternative to jail time, and that's alright.
If you give people a chance and reason to change, they might.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Contact Mountain Comprehensive Care at 606-886-8572 or online at https://www.mtcomp.org/
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

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The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
Over the course of running The Local Lens, we have heard plenty of people speak about how important having structure is to their recovery (Misty DeHart and Joshua Jones, to name a couple). In our previous episode, Will Arvin does the same. An interesting detail of Will's comments on work, though, is job training was actually a part of his recovery program.
Will went through Addiction Recovery Care's (ARC) Crisis to Career program. They address one of the largest challenges: getting convicted felons back into the workforce. To help us learn more about second chance employment and what ARC does to help, we brought on a second guest: Brandon Hill.
Brandon Hill is (at the time of the interview) the deputy chief of staff, and is in long-term recovery, himself. In this episode, we get to hear from two people who have lived through the turnaround and have both experienced how vital employment is to their new lives.
Employment does so much for people in recovery. Immediately, it gives people a way to spend their time -- something to focus on. The job also gives a income that will support an independent life. More than anything else, though, a job gives people a sense of worth. It shows people there is potential for a better, brighter future, and that is the goal of ARC. From their website, “We create opportunities for people to discover hope and live their God-given destiny.”

These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - Proactive Policing - Rob Williams
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12/01/21 • 29 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
Rob Williams has been working in the police force in this region since the mid 1980's. Over the course of his career, he has learned that drug abuse is the root of roughly 90% of the crime in our area.
At some point, he changed his approach. He figured that if drug abuse is causing most of our crime, the best way to lower crime is to lower the drug abuse.
The best practice for keeping crime low may be to give people better chances to live healthy lives.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - The People Around You - Jordan Shuler
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09/15/21 • 29 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
Jordan Shuler comes on board to tell his story in this episode. Jordan was a teammate of our host, Nate Brooks, throughout middle and high school in Powell County. In the interview, they talk about how Jordan's addiction began, where he's at now, and what got him through it all.
The common theme that arose from the conversation is how involved other people had been throughout his addiction. Jordan's story ties in a web of people. Luckily, he made his way into a group that helped him along his recovery.
He is now a peer support specialist for SPARK Ministries and Mountain Comprehensive Care and is extending the same helping hand he received. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Mentioned episodes:
Jeremy and Edna Thompson - A Married Couple of Peer Support Specialists
Jenell Brewer - Founder of SPARK Ministries
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - AppHarvest - Brittany Kegley and Patrick Bryant
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06/23/22 • 27 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
AppHarvest is one of the premier new companies in Kentucky, selling their produce in a growing number of places. You can find their tomatoes in Kroger, Costco, and on a sandwich at Wendy's. This company is an image of success in eastern Kentucky.
However, that isn't why we wanted to interview them. AppHarvest is one of the leading second-chance employers in the state. They are helping usher in a new era of employment, one that supports the workers available. They are hiring people with criminal records and histories of substance abuse, two sets of the population who have always been discarded as employees.
What's more is they are realizing that these second-chance employees are outperforming the average employee and are contributing a great deal to the success of the company. In many ways, it seems like this company is simply investing in the workers available in the area, which is commonly known as the best practice in building an exceptional company.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
This is all done with the help of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and the Employment Resource Network - Kentucky (ERN-KY). The Kentucky Fair Chance Academy through the state Chamber of Commerce has also assisted and is available to other companies interested in following this lead.
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
There is a chase happening in the world of chemistry. The list of drugs and chemicals being abused is growing so fast that no one can truly keep up. We are all aware of fentanyl at this point, but what most people do not realize is that fentanyl is an umbrella-term for a whole category of drugs.
The terrifying fact is this: most people are unaware of the chemical mixtures out there. If someone thinks they are taking a Xanax pill, it could very easily be a counterfeit pill made with 5 different kinds of fentanyl.
It is nearly impossible for anyone to know exactly what drugs and chemicals they are buying or selling. One place that can tell what is in a drug is the Kentucky State Police's forensic lab. On this episode, chemist Rebecca Stone tells us about the changing drug landscape from a chemical perspective. This science-heavy episode is not meant to bring a level of understanding, but just a basic awareness of what is out there.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - The Big Picture - Van Ingram
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11/23/22 • 45 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
This episode features Van Ingram, the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy for the past 18 years. He has been a part of many of the progressive pushes toward freedom from addiction our state has seen. A lot has been accomplished, but in his own words, "there is still a lot of work to do."
Topics flow from the history of the epidemic, "Recovery Ready Communities," criminal justice, and especially some nudges in the right direction for the future. We cover syringe exchanges, fentanyl test strips, and the balance of proactivity and using evidence-based practices. We also get to briefly cover the massive $483-million-dollar lump of money from the Johnson and Johnson settlement.
This man has been around since the beginning of our state's notable efforts to curb the opioid epidemic. The perspective he adds to our collage of a show is one that zooms all the way out, covering the big picture (at least for Kentucky).
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Mentioned Episodes
Jennell Brewer - Founder of SPARK Ministries
How It Works - Lt. Jimmy Daniels - Mount Sterling Police Department
The True Roots of Recovery - Part One - Dr. Alex Elswick
Jarrett Rose and Brad Epperson - The Role of the Court System
Mentioned Data Source:
Harm reduction measures employed by people using opioids with suspected fentanyl exposure in Boston, Baltimore, and Providence

Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Inst

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The Local Lens - Taking Action - Robert Childs, Part 1
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02/01/23 • 48 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
When it comes to taking effective action, there aren't many people more knowledgable than Robert Childs. He seems to have made a habit of seeing what needs to be done and making sure it happens. He has been around the country doing this work and has been active in setting up laws to allow and encourage progress.
In this conversation, Childs catches us up on what has been happening and what is coming in harm reduction. He shares some lessons of how to make a real difference and do the right thing, whether it is legal or not.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation!
Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - Redemption House - Edna and Jeremy Thompson
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12/08/22 • 38 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
Everyone is influenced by their environment. People tend to reflect what is around them. For people in recovery, you hope your environment is one that will build you up, support you, and help you keep your momentum. One place to find this environment is in a sober living house.
This week, we are taking a look at sober living houses. We've been joined by our friends Edna and Jeremy Thompson (listen to their stories here), who have just opened Redemption House, their own sober living house. We look at why these houses are necessary, what their operation will be like, and why we need lots of these all over the place.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
If you want to contact Redemption House, whether it's to learn more, donate, volunteer, or even move in, here is some information for you:
Phone: (606) 386-6855
eMail: [email protected]
Physical Address: 3047 Cane Ridge Road, Little Rock, KY
Mailing Address: PO Box 751, Clay City, KY 40312
Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

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The Local Lens - Raven Rock Health and Wellness - Heather Deel
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03/08/23 • 36 min

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
"Wellness" is a term that has gained more prominence in the healthcare world over the years. Today, as we find ourselves in the middle of both mental health and overdose crises, it is as apparent as ever the need to provide enough resources for both mental and physical health. In Stanton, KY, we have a new addition to the list of healthcare providers: Raven Rock Health and Wellness.
Heather Deel from Raven Rock joins the show to give us the rundown of what they offer and why it's needed. Their services cover nearly all of a patient's health needs, and the case managers on board handle adjacent needs. We also discuss a bit of what it's like to launch a new healthcare center today. Any way you look at it, there is a lot to learn from Raven Rock.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
Contact Raven Rock by phone: (606) 775-0515 or on their website: https://www.ravenrockhw.com/
Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.
The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

bookmark
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share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Local Lens have?

The Local Lens currently has 75 episodes available.

What topics does The Local Lens cover?

The podcast is about Addiction, Health & Fitness, Drug Addiction, Mental Health and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on The Local Lens?

The episode title 'Just Say Yes: The Icelandic Prevention Model - Amelia Berry, Part 1' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Local Lens?

The average episode length on The Local Lens is 31 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Local Lens released?

Episodes of The Local Lens are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The Local Lens?

The first episode of The Local Lens was released on Feb 9, 2021.

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