James Sutton is back with a new episode of Road to Recovery with special guests Bakri Mckissick who is in long term treatment for addiction. Like many addicts Bakri was attending his groups in person until Covid-19 shut it down in March. These meetings are very important to him because routine and maintaining your support network is very helpful in recovery. Now they use Zoom for meetings and currently have outdoor meetings like a bond fire or yoga or regular too. The pandemic has challenged their routine greatly, but he attributes his recovery skills to maintaining calm during the stress in this challenging time. He has had the same job for 17 years that has evolved into a career and established solid relationships with family members. Bakri just celebrated his 20th year of sobriety! Congratulations! In August Bakri began not feeling well, so he went to get tested and was positive for Covid-19. He lives in Oxford House, a supportive rehabilitative housing for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. Four out of five roommates contracted Covid, but with lots of support, food, and loving prayers everyone is now feeling better. Bakri is happy to be past the symptoms he had, comparing it to being worse than his heroin withdrawal and incarceration. He said that the isolation is hard, but Zoom has been a blessing because one can still connect visually and spiritually. People with active addictions can't get treatment unless they test negative for Covid-19, so having virtual support is key till you can be accepted into a recovery program. People of recovery have some sayings to get through the trying times like: Nothing Last Forever This Too Shall Pass (I use this one when dealing with adversity, think its just a popular saying) Given Time Some Time Now Bakri knows there is nothing he can't get through because he has his Spiritually Principles. Which is a truth or creed that we choose to live by to help become better people. The Recovery is real and worldwide. Color, Race, Religion, or Language doesn't matter...Recovery exists and works! People in Recovery are now advocates for themselves and are helping eliminate stigma and put a faces or many on recovery like this show, letting the public know they do recover and it is a community effort. We all need to be involved. Get Help If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. If you need crisis assistance call the Crisis Center (open 24 hours) at 240-777-4000. Call Access to Behavioral Health Services (Mental Health/Substance Abuse Screening and Referral) at 240-777-1170 to discuss resources and referrals. If you are seeking services for adolescents and teens, call SASCA (Screening and Assessment Services for Children & Adolescents) at 240-777-1430. SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline provides free and confidential information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) For more information on teen suicide prevention, please visit.BTheOne.org ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

The World Health Organization stated Methadone and Buprenorphine are Essential medicines. These medications are the new tools being utilized by recovery services today. The 12 step programs, AA, and NA aren't the only tools being utilized to combat the opioid crisis. These are the most effective treatments and the stigma needs to change to save more lives. James Sutton host of Road to Recovery has guest Angela Caldwell the program coordinator at Montgomery Recovery Services. MRS assist their clients in the recovery process by providing the treatment services appropriate to their needs so they can succeed in treatment. Its critical to change the language in order to change the stigma of these life saving medications. Opioid Replacement Therapy and/or Medicated Assistance Treatment saves lives. Angela discovered with her Overdose Fatality Review Team that all the Montgomery County overdose deaths of illicit substances were not enrolled in treatment. So, working on Telehealth is important to giving treatment for people over the weekends or when unable to immediately be registered into a treatment program. Along with communicating with the Systems including Jails, Treatment Centers, and Hospitals, Angela continues to educate the professionals about addiction medication education to educate doctors on how to medicate a recovering opioid user and involve all players involved in their care. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this Episode of Road to Recovery host James Sutton welcomes Judge Nelson W. Rupp Jr. Judge Rupp has served as a judge for over 25 years. He was appointed to the District Court for Montgomery County, Maryland in 1993; and he was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1997. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Rupp served 6 years as a prosecutor, 3 years as a public defender and as a partner for 10 years in a civil litigation firm. Since 1998 Judge Rupp has been an Adjunct Faculty member teaching Trial Advocacy at the Washington College of Law, American University Law School. Judge Rupp retired on April 29, 2019. Judge Rupp’s most significant accomplishment as a judge is his design and creation of the Montgomery County Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2004. It took two years of planning with numerous disparate agencies and entities to allow this Drug Court to exist. Within the first six months of its existence, Judge Rupp moved the Drug Court sessions to evening sessions to allow drug court participants to maintain full time employment. Judge Rupp established a 501 (c ) (3), Montgomery’s Miracles, to obtain community funding for education, vocational training, and uninsured medical needs to support drug court participants. Judge Rupp established partnerships with sober housing entities, such as Oxford House, to meet the requirement that drug court participants must live in approved sober housing instead of returning to their previous environment. Judge Rupp continues to preside over Drug Court as a senior judge in retirement. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

New episode of Road to Recovery has guest Sara Rose a Supervisory Therapist for the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services at Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. This agency provides family-focused outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, and their families to help address severe emotional, behavioral, substance abuse, and victimization issues. As a part of the Montgomery County System of Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services coordinates treatment services with family members and other agencies involved with children and families. For more information, please call 240-777-1450. There are many programs to assist families in this journey in Montgomery County. Here are some mentioned by Sara on this episode of Road to Recovery. Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents (SASCA) Suburban Treatment Center Journeys Mental Health Services Students Against Destructive Decisions (SAAD) ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

James Sutton introduces Mark Robinson who is in longterm recovery. Mark spreads a message of hope. He is here to inform the community that recovery is possible and we do recover in spite of the many obstacles and odds. Listen to Marks recovery and how he worked his way from part time employee to upper management. Mark says, "The path was feeding me and I saw my experiences in the streets and the community was aiding me in my work and it deepen my commitment to want to serve because I was encountering people just like me." He believed he offered empathy and could talk in an earnest way to touch the hearts of a person who is suffering and instill hope. Mark coordinates a Syringe Service Program in Prince George's County where they go into the community where the highest overdoes fatality rates are and supply active users with sterile syringes and other drug using tools to keep them safe and prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. They do not supply them with drugs, just keep them clean from spreading diseases. As well as open a door of care to them and build a relationship. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this episode of Road to Recovery Host James Sutton is joined by addiction recovery advocate Joey Zabel. Joey's story of hitting "rock bottom" and his journey towards rehabilitation can serve as an inspiration to anyone. Joey tells of how he needed to surrender first and accept help before he could truly recover. Now Joey serves an advocate for an addiction recovery organization called arise and flourish. Joseph works with Arise & Flourish to promote addiction prevention to teenagers and parents. His passion is working with other addicts and alcoholics to help them recover from the disease of alcoholism and addiction, and bring a message of hope to parents and children who struggle with addiction in the family. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this episode of "Road to Recovery" host James Sutton talks with Consuelo Green. Ms. Green courageously shares her story of being incarcerated, and how shortly after she started her journey towards rehabilitation. Now Ms. Green serves as a peer advisor inspiring others on their journey to a better life.  ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

Since 2012, Coach Donna Rojas has been with the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Montgomery County, Maryland. She has been actively engaged on the “front lines” of the offender population, working in a variety of fields that include public health, case management, and training & coaching. Coach Rojas is dedicated to improving the lives of former inmates and delivers impassioned and inspirational programs that reflect her unique brand of motivational speaking. In 2014, she founded the Personal Development Program for female inmates at MCCF. As a certified Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) and National Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Coach Rojas works directly with the inmate population and facilitates their ability to recognize their strengths, maximize their potential, and achieve marketable outcomes through discipline and positive reinforcements. She continues to develop partnerships with Reentry Services, Jail Addiction Services, and various community and faith-based organizations that provide resources to Justice Involved Women. In the community she serves as a Commissioner for the Montgomery County Commission for Women and serves as the liaison and advisor for their newly formed “Women’s Reentry Program”. Coach Rojas’ mission is to serve, empower, and motivate returning citizens for successful reentry to “OUR” community. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this episode of Road to Recovery James discusses the work of the Misha House with Executive Director Monica White. Monica has a rich background in behavioral sciences. At the Misha house she manages the overall treatment and recovery processes of the facility. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.