CADAS Conversations, Part I:
Charlotte Gaston, Troy Rogers and Rachel Goins
CADAS Conversations, Part II:
Terry Topping, Katrina Cabe, and Kelly Germain
CADAS Conversations, Part III:
Renee Grimes, Kimberly Patrick and Kyle Hollowell
CADAS Conversations, Part IV:
Paul Fuchcar, Paul Trivette and Jared Murray
The opioid epidemic has touched nearly every community in the United States. The Tennessee Valley is no exception. Families, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, treatment professionals, and community leaders continue to face the challenges created by opioid addiction and overdose.
In 2022, WUTC 88.1 FM, Chattanooga’s National Public Radio affiliate, partnered with CADAS (Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services) to produce a four-part series exploring the opioid epidemic in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Although these conversations were recorded several years ago, the issues discussed remain highly relevant today.
Why These Conversations Still Matter
The opioid crisis continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges facing Tennessee and the nation. While awareness has increased, communities are still working to address addiction, overdose prevention, treatment access, recovery support, and the broader social impacts of substance use disorders.
What makes this series especially valuable is its focus on local voices. Rather than discussing the epidemic through statistics alone, these conversations highlight the experiences of people working on the front lines of prevention, treatment, recovery, and community response.
As a result, listeners gain a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the solutions emerging throughout the Tennessee Valley.
CADAS Conversations, Part I
The first episode introduces listeners to the scope of the opioid epidemic in Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The discussion features Charlotte Gaston, Troy Rogers, and Rachel Goins, who share their perspectives on addiction, recovery, and the impact of substance use on individuals, families, and communities.
This conversation provides an important foundation for understanding the series and the ongoing work being done to address opioid addiction.
CADAS Conversations, Part II
The second installment expands the discussion by examining the connection between the I-75 corridor, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Guests Terry Topping, Katrina Cabe, and Kelly Germain explore how regional transportation routes influence the movement of drugs and the challenges communities face in responding to these interconnected issues.
Their insights help listeners understand that the opioid epidemic is not only a healthcare issue but also a broader social and public safety concern.
CADAS Conversations, Part III
The third episode focuses on the human side of recovery. Guests Renee Grimes, Kimberly Patrick, and Kyle Hollowell discuss journeys from addiction to recovery and caregiving. Their stories illustrate both the difficulties and the possibilities that accompany long-term recovery.
Perhaps most importantly, this conversation highlights the power of hope, support systems, and community engagement in helping people rebuild their lives.
CADAS Conversations, Part IV
The final episode brings together Paul Fuchcar, Paul Trivette, and Jared Murray for a broader discussion of the opioid epidemic’s continuing impact on the Tennessee Valley. The conversation reflects on lessons learned and explores opportunities for future prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
Together, the four episodes provide a comprehensive look at one of the defining public health challenges of our time.
Listen and Join the Conversation
Whether you work in behavioral health, public health, education, law enforcement, recovery services, or simply care about the future of our communities, this series offers valuable insight into the opioid epidemic and the ongoing response across the Tennessee Valley.
These conversations remind us that recovery is possible, communities can make a difference, and meaningful change begins when people come together to address difficult challenges.
Here are links to the four-part series at WUTC.
