First hour: Previewing the documentary, "Opioids from Inside: First Responders"
Second hour: How companies can have conversations about race
As of earlier this month, Monroe County has seen an increase in opioid overdoses -- both fatal and non-fatal --compared to this time last year. The work of first responders who arrive at the scene can be the difference between life and death. A new documentary called "Opioids from Inside: First Responders" explores the epidemic from the perspective of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who are on the front lines. The film airs on WXXI-TV on Tuesday, but first, we get a preview with the men and women featured in it. They discuss their work and how the crisis has affected them personally. Our guests:
- David Marshall, director and co-producer of "Opioids from Inside: First Responders"
- Lt. John Vagg, Rochester Fire Department
- Dr. Scott Dent, M.D., family medicine specialist at Rochester Regional Health
- Krista Lattuca, Rochester resident in recovery, and recovery coach at Rochester Regional Health
Then in our second hour, we continue our series of conversations about how to discuss race and racism. Companies across the country are grappling with how to have those conversations internally. Some have coordinated dialogue circles, town halls, and listening sessions, where employees share their experiences with racism, white privilege, and discrimination. WXXI staff members recently participated in listening sessions. We've invited one of the breakout groups on Connections to share what they discussed, their responses to recent events, and their thoughts on the value of having uncomfortable conversations. Our guests:
- Mona Isler, executive assistant and staff liaison to the board at WXXI
- Tashanda Thomas, director of human resources for WXXI
- Laura Garrison, vice president for development at WXXI and the Little Theatre
