First hour: Discussing the challenges of addiction during the pandemic
Second hour: Previewing the second Black Kids Matter Rally
With physical distancing guidelines leading to more separation and in some cases, isolation, in communities, the pandemic is disrupting some support networks for people struggling with addiction. NPR reported last month that drug overdoses are spiking during the pandemic -- increasing about 18 percent. Fatal overdoses have also increased. Meanwhile, the ways in which addiction medicine is provided is changing, specifically, via telemedicine. September is National Recovery Month, and ROCovery Fitness is raising awareness and celebrating recovering during its annual 5K and X-Challenge this weekend. We talk with ROCovery founders and members about how their work has changed during the pandemic. Our guests:
- Yana Khashper, co-founder of ROCovery Fitness
- Sean Smith, co-founder of ROCovery Fitness
- Hugo, member of ROCovery Fitness
- Cate, member of ROCovery Fitness
- Dr. Holly Russell, M.D., founder and director of the Addiction Medicine program at Highland Family Medicine
Then in our second hour, the second Black Kids Matter Rally is set to take place Saturday at Harris Whalen Park. It was organized by local moms who wanted to create a family-friendly BLM event. From drum circles to story time to a short march, the organizers hope to raise awareness of the movement among Rochester's youngest citizens. We talk to the mothers about the event and broader issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equitable education in our community. Our guests:
- Nicolette Ferguson, Black Kids Matter Rally organizer
- Kristen Turgeon, Black Kids Matter Rally organizer
- Ahlia Kitwana, Black Kids Matter Rally organizer
- Melody Wollgren, Black Kids Matter Rally organizer
- W.D. Ferguson, Black Kids Matter Rally participant
- Keegan Turgeon, Black Kids Matter Rally participant
