Inroc International Overdose Awareness Day "Necessary Stories"

By Press release submission

Aug 26, 2022

August 31, 2022

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Contact: Heidi Malone

Indiana Rural Opioid Consortium (InROC) program director, Dr. Amnah Anwar, will host a YouTube event focused on International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD).

Join us for an afternoon of necessary stories – stories of incredible hardship, loss, displacement, uncertainty, and recovery. We will hear from:

Charmin Gabbard:

Charmin Gabbard, Executive -Director of the Connection Café and visionary behind this ambitious project, is a perfect example of how people can change. After years of abuse, substance-use, and incarceration, Charmin came out empowered to make a difference in her hometown.

Combining efforts with local and state leaders, her mission is to stop the spread of infectious disease, bring awareness to mental health and substance use disorders, educate on the importance of stopping stigma as well as support people in all stages of substance use and recovery. As a Certified Recovery Coach, Charmin has invested in countless lives by mentoring and developing recovery programs and by partnering with correctional facilities to support others in their recovery. Charmin has formed relationships with dozens of Indiana organizations dedicated to addressing substance use disorder and is incredibly knowledgeable about local and state treatment and recovery services.

Carley Eagan:

Carley Eagan is speaking about her late brother, Conrad Lowell Eagan. Conrad, age 25, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 following a long struggle with addiction. Conrad is survived by his loving parents, Lowell and Jane Eagan; siblings, Olivia, Carley, Maximus and Alaya. Conrad was a big fan of Star Wars, Dragon Ball Z, and staying up all night playing video games. He had an over-powering love for open pit and he put it on everything that he ate. Conrad was always thoughtful and caring for his close family and friends. He would be the first person to stand up for you.

"Substance abuse is not something to be ashamed of or hidden. It's a disease that has to be brought into the light. Conrad worked through several rehab programs, but could not shake the negative spiral that is common to people suffering with addiction. It is unbearable to think he fought this beast alone and, for that, we will cry for him forever."

Katrina Norris:

Katrina Norris earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2008 from IUPUI in Indianapolis. In addition, she holds four additional undergraduate degrees, two licenses, and a board certification. Today, Katrina is the Executive Director of Indiana’s State Psychiatric Hospital Network within the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. In her role she oversees all six of Indiana’s state hospitals.

Katrina is a fierce mental health and substance use disorder patient advocate. She has assisted in authoring legislation as well as presented at committee hearings throughout her career. Katrina has taught as an adjunct professor for Ivy Tech Community College and the IU School of Social Work for the past 13 years. Finally, Katrina has been a well-received and respected presenter at professional development conferences in Indiana as well as on national platforms.

In addition to her professional roles, Katrina has been a valued asset to the state and regional communities serving on multiple advisory boards, including the IU School of Social Work Alumni Board, Indiana Rural Health Association Board and is the former President of the National Association of Social Workers-Indiana Chapter. She is a proud member of the IU Grand Challenges initiative to enhance research and programming through the State in response to the opioid crisis. Katrina was awarded the NASW Region 5 Social Worker of the Year in 2014 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from IU School of Social Work in 2016. In 2020, she received the prestigious bicentennial medal from Indiana University.

Cory Joy:

Cory Joy, lead pastor of Encounter Life Ministries church and Founder/Executive Director of the nonprofit Do Something, INC, has called Brown County Indiana his home for more than 40 years. Both ministries he leads exist to partner with individuals, families, and the community to link people in need to the resources that encourage, equip, and empower them to live a life of wholeness and freedom. Cory and his wife, Michelle, lost their oldest son, Caleb, to a heroin overdose in 2017. This devastating loss ignited a passion in both Cory and Michelle to see all people set free from the pain that often leads to addiction.

Elena Kruzan:

"A few years ago I found myself close to 200 pounds and diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I had also spent over a decade addicted to prescription opioids for chronic pain and multiple surgeries. In September 2018, I detoxed from my addiction to opiates by swimming. Detox is not for the weak. I also not only shed the weight, I am no longer a Diabetic. I embraced a healthy lifestyle that includes lap swimming six days a week at the YMCA. My husband has lost over 20 pounds as well and joins me in our daily swim."

Elena will talk about the horrors of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and how vital it is for people to understand how opioids change our brain and behavior. Moving to Terre Haute in June 2020 from California has been a blessing for her. Joining the YMCA has given her a community of like-minded friends who support and encourage healthy, happy lifestyles. Making #ETwithPTSD swim videos at the YMCA pool is her way of reaching out to others with depression or addiction issues. She wants to help others by showing if she can rise above her trauma and addiction, they can too!

The audience will be able to interact with hosts and others via live YouTube chat during the event and will also have the opportunity to connect with InROC team members via secure link where confidential questions may be asked.