Healing Voices Project: Sharing stories of addiction, grief, recovery and courage.

Mayor Bill Sapelli shares the changes he's observed in the area of substance abuse over the years as a hockey coach, teacher, school superintendent, and mayor, as well as current challenges, and initiatives to combat the problem.

Dino Bedinelli, Executive Director of the Compass Recovery Treatment Center in Agawam, Mass, shares his experience as a counselor, clinician, and program director and discusses the challenges facing individuals struggling with substance abuse.

State Senator John Velis discusses substance use in our communities as well as legislative initiatives to combat the epidemic and support those struggling.

Chris Bernier shares his thoughtful insights and valuable experience from a professional perspective, and also as a concerned parent. Chris provided commentary after each chapter in the book, Voices from the Fallen: True Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery and Courage, and also a summary at the end of the book. Chris' contribution to the book and the podcast are very much appreciated!

Keith Knotek shares his story of alcoholism, depression, and trauma, through his 30 years experience as a police officer and commander, his book From Sorrow to Amazing Grace: One Cop's Journey and how his experiences are portayed in the new movie One Cop's Journey.

Barry Simpson talks about how alcohol turned his life upside down, and how he went from being an involved dad, little league coach, and a successful chef and restaurant owner to living in a tattered tent in the woods on the run from the law. Barry also shares the effects drinking had on his family, his experiences in prison, getting "arrested" in his jail cell for making wine, and other bad decisions that came from excessive alcohol consumption. In the end, Barry expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to turn his life around, his unlikely transformation from being a staunch atheist to a Christian, and his path to sobriety.

Jason Cunningham shares his experiences of drug use through his adolescent years to adulthood, and how his bi-polar disorder, anxiety, and turbulent family life led to a heroin addiction. And more importantly, how he overcame his challenges, started a new productive life, and his mission to help others struggling with addiction.

Dave Beaudet, 25 years sober, speaks about his life and career in the military and how his life has changed since he stopped drinking.

Dennis and Debbie Gonzalez share their personal story of addiction and recovery, and discuss their work at the Gandara Center and the Holyoke Hospital ED where they work every day to help people and their families overcome the challenges of addiction.

Our two guests today are Cecilia Calabrese (CC), an 18-year Agawam City Council member and mom of two young adults, and Jason Campbell, President of JC Films, newly elected Bridgeport City Council member, and most importantly, a dad with sons and daughters ranging from 5 to twenty something. CC and Jason share observations, concerns, and ideas to help children during the most critical and vulnerable years, when peer pressure and other outside influences can steer adolescents in the wrong direction.