Dissect & Connect

Dr. Rosanna Breaux is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. In our conversation, Dr. Breaux provides an overview of dysgraphia, a brain-based learning disability that affects writing. Resources: Website: www.understood.org https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-dysgraphia https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-multisensory-techniques-for-teaching-handwriting?_sp=d964e9f8-4886-4233-a83e-8e71620d3738.1651688011722 Some additional Dysgraphia specific resources:  https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/ https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dysgraphia-understanding-common-symptoms/ General resources on SLDs and IEPs/504 Plans: https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/symptoms/specific-learning-disorder/ http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/parents/parents_guide.pdf

Rick Mountcastle is an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a Retired Federal Prosecutor.   Operating from a small, satellite U.S. Attorney's Office in Abingdon, Virginia, Rick led the investigation and prosecution of Purdue Pharma, as well as its CEO, General Counsel, and Chief Medical Officer, in an unprecedented case, that, at the inception of the opioid crisis, held an opioid manufacturer and its top executives criminally and civilly responsible for falsely marketing OxyContin. (This case was at the center of Beth Macy's best-selling book, "Dopesick," and the Hulu television series of the same name that first premiered in October 2021.)   After moving to the US Attorney’s office headquarters in Roanoke, Virginia, Rick led the investigation and prosecution of Abbott Laboratories for its false marketing of the epilepsy drug, Depakote, resulting in criminal and civil penalties totaling $1.5 Billion (at the time the largest pharmaceutical settlement involving a single drug in U.S. history).   As acting/interim U.S. Attorney from January 2017 through April 2018, Rick led the federal response to the violence at the Charlottesville Unite-the-Right rally on August 12, 2017, personally directing the opening of the federal civil rights investigation of Heather Heyer's killer and other violent extremists, ensuring that the federal case was staffed by the office's best attorneys, coordinating with the local prosecutor's office, and coordinating with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also initiated the federal-state task force to address gang violence in Danville, Virginia, resulting in the return of federal indictments against members of two violent gangs.   Now with the Virginia Attorney General's Office, Rick currently works to address the opioid crisis by conducting parallel criminal-civil investigations of health care providers who prescribe controlled substances without legitimate medical purpose.   In our conversation, Rick shares insight from the Perdue Pharma case and speaks to the larger issue of corruption and how that led to America's addiction epidemic. We also discuss the negative impact of stigma toward those who struggle with addiction as well as the importance of prevention and education. Resources mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)      

Josh Diamond, Katie Mitchell and Katie Forsyth provide an overview of the Appalachian Replication Project (SexEdVA) at James Madison University's Institute for Innovation in Health & Human Services. The program strives to equip teens, caregivers, and community members with the education and skills that allow young people to make the healthiest decisions for themselves when it comes to sex and relationships. Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.sexedva.org https://www.talkwithyourkids.org https://www.adolescenthealth.org https://www.cdc.gov https://www.hhs.gov https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/new-river/ https://www.nrvroadtowellness.com     SHOW LESS    

Laura Kate Jennings-Brink is the Southwest Regional Hepatitis C Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Health. In our conversation, we discuss the alarming prevalence of Hepatitis C in the region, as well as the populations who are at highest risk, available treatment options and prevention methods. Resources mentioned in this episode: HepVu: Understanding Hepatitis C Where You Live - http://www.hepvu.org National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable - http://www.nvhr.org/ Book recommendation: Dopesick (Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America) - Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Dopesick-Dealers-Doctors-Company-Addicted/dp/0316551244 The Crime of the Century (HBO docuseries) official trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkU75sBdjdU Additional resources: HELP-4-HEP hotline (assists patients in finding care and support) - http://www.help4hep.org (877-435-7443) https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/10/2016/06/Virginia-Hepatitis-C-Epidemiologic-Profile-2016.pdf (This is the data published by VDH central office in 2016 depicting Hep C data statewide.) Other suggested reading material: Fentanyl Inc. by Ben Westhoff Death in Mudlick by Eric Eyre

Drs. Brandy Faulkner and Lucien Holness, both professors at Virginia Tech, share the history and significance of Juneteenth. We also discuss the current state of race relations in the United States.

Dr. Mary Crozier has been in the field of substance abuse education, prevention, and intervention for over 40 years and currently serves as a consultant to Community Coalitions of Virginia. In our discussion, Dr. Crozier explains the importance of substance use prevention, as well as the value of strong, effective coalitions. We also have an extended discussion around the new legislation that will make adult use of marijuana legal in Virginia, effective July 1.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Community Coalitions of Virginia website - http://communitycoalitionsofva.com/ Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) website: http://www.cadca.org/   Community ToolBox website (University of Kansas): http://ctb.ku.edu/en   Center for Substance Abuse Prevention website: http://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/offices-centers/csap   Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) website: http://learnaboutsam.org/  

Kristen Mallory spends most of her time in a wheelchair these days - a constant reminder of the accident that nearly claimed her life almost eight years ago. Kristen, who was 16 at the time, and her mother, Susan, were headed to their home in Chesterfield County, Virginia, the night of June 9, 2013 when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver. Kristen was severely injured and continues to struggle with the physical and emotional pain caused by that incident. Despite the many challenges she’s now faced with, Kristen works every day to share her story to help prevent others from being harmed by drinking and driving. Along with her parents, Kristen has founded a non-profit to help spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. The mission of Mallory’s Movement Against Drunk Driving is to reduce the number of individuals and families impacted by drunk driving through direct education efforts and by educating drivers, future/potential drivers, and passengers about the dangers of driving impaired, or being a passenger with an impaired driver. Additional resources: Mallory's Movement Against Drunk Driving website: http://www.mallorysmovement.org Mallory's Movement Against Drunk Driving on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mallorysmovement Giles Youth-Adult Partnership Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/gilesyap Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Melissa McGinn, MSW, LCSW, is currently Director of Community Prevention Programs for Greater Richmond Stop Child Abuse Now or “SCAN”) and she also serves as State Coordinator for Virginia’s Trauma Informed Community Networks. In our discussion, we cover the upcoming observance of Resilience Week in Virginia (May 2 - 8), along with the state's growing number of Trauma Informed Communities. Melissa also shares a number of resources related to both trauma and resilience. Resources mentioned in this episode:Greater Richmond SCAN website: http://www.grscan.org​PACEs (Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences): http://www.acesconnection.com​ (there is no "p" in the URL address) Book - "What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing" by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD & Oprah Winfrey (Amazon link): https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-...​ Sponsor Information:Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/pla...​ Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Jill Anderson and Patrick Halpern of New River Valley Community Services discuss the agency's long-running history with the Crisis Intervention Team model, as well as the development of a new crisis center for persons experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Resources mentioned in this episode: New River Valley Community Services website - http://www.nrvcs.org Virginia Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coalition website - http://www.virginiacit.org National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: A Best Practice Toolkit - http://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/national-guidelines-for-behavioral-health-crisis-care-02242020.pdf Sponsor information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Moe McClanahan, a retired police officer, is the Director of Training and Education with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and a High-Tech Crime Specialist with the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). In our discussion, we talk about some of the issues associated with use of the internet and social media apps that are popular with you - but maybe not as familiar for parents, grandparents or other caregivers. Resources mentioned in this episode: Safe Surfin' Foundation website - http://www.safesurfin.org​Safe Surfin' on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/safesurfinfou...​Safe Surfin' on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/safe.surfin​ Sponsor Information:Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

In this episode, we chat with Megan Sharkey, REACH (Recovery Education and Creative Healing) Program Director for VOCAL - a peer-run organization in Virginia that provides education and awareness, while advocating on behalf of persons in recovery.   In our conversation, Megan shares an overview of VOCAL's programs, along with some of her own recovery journey. We also discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on behavioral health and recovery, as well as the pros and cons of social media. Resources mentioned in this episode: VOCAL's website: http://www.virginiavocal.org​Fire Stories: Further Thoughts on Radically Rethinking Mental Illness (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Stories-V...​ (Amazon link) NAMI Virginia website: http://www.namivirginia.org​Mental Health America of Virginia website: http://www.mhav.org​ Wildflower Alliance website: http://www.wildfloweralliance.org​ Sponsor Information: Teen Connections https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

We're joined by Dr. Elizabeth Reynolds and Dr. Scott Miller with the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) to discuss the importance of oral health. In our conversation, Drs. Reynolds and Miller also talk about the VDA's "Mission of Mercy" project that provides dental care to underserved communities, as well as the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center that Dr. Miller helped establish in 2020. Resources mentioned in this episode: Virginia Dental Association - http://www.vadental.org/for-our-patie... Mouth Healthy - http://www.mouthhealthy.org Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center - http://www.appalachianhighlandsdental... Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center (Facebook page) - http://www.facebook.com/appalachianhi... Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/pla... Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Katherine Allen and Lisa Evanylo have both experienced the heartache of losing a child and the journey of grief and healing that follows. A little over a year ago, the two women decided to openly share their pain and launch a support group for other bereaved parents. The monthly group, which is now meeting via Zoom, now has participation from not only Virginia’s New River Valley but even other parts of the country. In our conversation, Katherine and Lisa both recall the events surrounding the deaths of their sons: Katherine’s son, Matt, by suicide; and Lisa’s son, Dylan, from a drug overdose. The two also offer tips on how to cope with grief and warn against what not to say to a parent who has lost a child. Resources mentioned in this episode: Parent Bereavement Support Group meetings are the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. For more information, call Katherine (540-230-8154) or Lisa (540-257-3612) Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/groups/grasphelp Bereaved Parents of the USA – http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org Compassionate Friends – http://www.compassionatefriends.org Recommended Books: It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Its-That-Youre-Not-Understand/dp/1622039076/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2H3O66BL51JO&dchild=1&keywords=it%27s+okay+that+you%27re+not+okay&qid=1606594509&sprefix=It%27s+Okay+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-2 Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing after Loss by Pat Schwiebert (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Tear-Soup-Recipe-Healing-After/dp/0961519762/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=tear+soup&qid=1606594578&sr=8-2 The Courage to Grieve: The Classic Guide To Creative Living, Recovery, And Growth Through Grief by Judy Tatelbaum (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Grieve-Classic-Creative-Recovery/dp/0060911859/ref=sr_1_1dchild=1&keywords=The+Courage+to+Grieve&qid=1606594646&sr=8-1 My Son . . . My Son . . .: A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide by Iris Bolton (Amazon link) - https://www.amazon.com/My-Son-Guide-Healing-Suicide/dp/0961632607/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R9O4Y30TDF3S&dchild=1&keywords=my+son%2C+my+son+by+iris+bolton&qid=1606594732&sprefix=My+Son%2C+My+Son+b%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1 Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org (540) 315-2130

Annette Clark is Family Services Director with the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter. Annette joins us to give an overview of Alzheimer's and we discuss the common challenges of caregiving for someone living with the disease. Resources mentioned in this episode:Alzheimer's Association - Central & Western Virginia Chapter website: http://www.alz.org/cwva 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Aimee Strong is a Board Certified Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at UVA Health who works in the Lung Cancer Screening Program. In our conversation, Aimee explains the different types of lung cancer and the process involved with a routine screening. We also talk about the leading causes of lung cancer, including (but not limited to) smoking, and address some of the more common misconceptions about the disease. Resources mentioned in this episode: American Cancer Society website - http://www.cancer.org American Lung Association website - http://www.lung.org Go 2 Foundation for Lung Cancer website - http://www.go2foundation.org Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Dr. Jolene Henshaw is a general surgeon with LewisGale Regional Medical System - specializing in breast cancer procedures. In our conversation, Dr. Henshaw speaks to some of the advances in treatment and how those improvements have translated to better outcomes for patients. She also dispels some of the common misconceptions about breast cancer and underscores the importance of regular mammograms. Resources mentioned in this episode: http://www.breastcancer.org http://www.cancer.org (American Cancer Society website) http://ww5.komen.org (Susan G. Komen website) Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - http://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Angela Scott is head of the Office of Peer Supports & Recovery for New River Valley Community Services. In our conversation, we discuss the important role persons with lived experience have in the continuum of care for persons with mental health and substance use disorders. We also talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted peer supports on a local level, including operations at the 401 Peer Center. Resources mentioned in this episode:SAMHSA - http://www.samhsa.gov VOCAL - http://www.vocalvirginia.org Mental Health America - http://www.mhanational.org NAMI - http://www.nami.org National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov National Peer Support Network - http://www.peersforprogress.org Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Network - http://www.virginiapeerspecialistnetwork.org Sponsor information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Aaron Housh, CEO of Good Samaritan Hospice, joins us to discuss hospice and advanced illness care. He shares how his organization's operations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and helps clarify some of the common misconceptions about end-of-life care. We also talk about the internal supports "Good Sam" has in place to care for the emotional well-being of their employees, as well as the different volunteer opportunities available for those who may be interested in assisting individuals and families who are dealing with progressive illness. Resources mentioned in this episode:Good Samaritan Hospice website - http://www.goodsam.care CaringInfo ( a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) - http://www.nhpco.org Sponsor Information:Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org (540) 315-2130

Mike Wade reflects on his first six months as host of the Dissect & Connect podcast and extends an invitation for listeners to submit topics and suggestions for future episodes. Contact: mwade@nrvcs.org Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 48,000 Americans dying by suicide each year.   American Association of Suicidology President, Dr. Jonathan Singer, and CEO Colleen Creighton join us to take a closer look at the issue. We talk about some of the contributing factors to suicide - including access to firearms - as well as the need for more timely data. You'll also hear why the number of suicides is likely underreported.   If you are thinking about suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, or need support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "HELLO" to 741741. If you live in the New River Valley, call NRVCS crisis services at 540-961-8400.   Resources mentioned in this episode (and more):American Association of Suicidology website - http://www.suicidology.org Six Feet Over - http://www.sixfeetover.org "Not OK" app - http://www.notokapp.com Alliance of Hope: Suicide Loss Survivors - http://www.allianceofhope.org GoGuardian: Safe Digital Learning for Schools - http://www.goguardian.com Asking Saves website - http://www.askingsaves.org Asking Saves Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/askingsaves Lock & Talk Virginia - http://www.lockandtalk.org Sponsor Information: Teen Connections - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic/education-programs/teen-connections Contact: Malinda Britt, PPSAT Community Health Educator Malinda.Britt@ppsat.org / (540) 315-2130