Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Substance Use

In this Best Of episode of Awkward Conversations, host Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Catie Drew, Senior Prevention Program Manager with the DEA’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section, and Tracy Johnson, Founder and CEO of The TTJ Group. Together, they explore the power of culturally tailored prevention programs in addressing substance misuse across diverse communities. The conversation highlights the importance of meeting families where they are, understanding cultural context, and developing strategies that reflect the values and lived experiences of the people they serve. From the Good Medicine Bundle to community-driven outreach and parental involvement, this episode showcases how culturally competent approaches can help reduce substance misuse and build stronger, more resilient communities. 01:35 Understanding Culturally Responsive Strategies 05:59 Operation Prevention and the Good Medicine Bundle 14:37 Challenges and Solutions in Native American Communities 16:17 Parental Involvement and Community Initiatives 21:31 Addressing Access Inequities and Reducing Stigma Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Tracy Johnson is the Founder and CEO of The TTJ Group in Illinois, with over 25 years of experience supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and communities. He specializes in community organizing, strategic planning, environmental strategies, substance abuse prevention, coalition building, and cultural diversity. Tracey has led numerous projects focused on effective substance abuse prevention strategies, working closely with state and community initiatives. He has extensive expertise in SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework and Strategic Initiatives. https://www.facebook.com/TTJGROUP https://ttjgroupllc.com/ Cathleen (Catie) Drew joined the DEA in 2006 as Education Coordinator for the DEA Museum and is now a Senior Prevention Program Manager in the Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. She oversees the Operation Prevention curriculum in partnership with Discovery Education and manages various prevention publications. Previously, Catie worked as a Science Park Ranger for the National Park Service, an Environmental Education Specialist for the Smithsonian, and a Marine Biologist for NOAA. She holds a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado and a Master’s in Museum Education from George Washington University. https://www.instagram.com/deahq/ https://www.dea.gov/galleries/public-service-announcements-psas/discovery-educations-operation-prevention-psa Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. www.dea.gov Resources/Links: Resources and tip sheets with practical strategies for improving school nutrition environments. Website: cdc.gov/healthy-schools/parents/resources.html GetSmartAboutDrugs.com www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com Hidden in Plain Sight Program https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Hidden%20in%20Plain%20Sight.pdf DEA on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deahq Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt