Justin Phillips and nine other individuals were selected from more than 900 nominations to receive the “Champions of Change” award at the White House today. Senator Joe Donnelly nominated Justin for the recognition for her continued work in the fight against Indiana’s opioid abuse and heroin epidemics.

Phillips said, “I am very grateful to Senator Donnelly for this nomination. ODL has so much work to do with our current harm reduction, prevention and education programs – reaching more individuals and counties that are in need. As important, we have a specific “to do” list that addresses initiatives critical to reducing/managing this epidemic and helping those impacted. Our “to do” list needs to apply some of the proven, best practices learned from our colleagues in other states.”

As the Executive Director of ODL, Phillips is devoted to providing a support network to families impacted by substance abuse disorders, purchasing naloxone and providing educational resources. ODL pioneered an educational program that has touched the lives of over 9,000 Indiana students and is focused on the realities and risks of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use. It has also hosted numerous training and distribution events to provide naloxone to first responders and the general public throughout Indiana.

“Justin and Overdose Lifeline have been very, very busy. Last year they worked with Indiana legislators to pass a bill ensuring that more family members and friends of people addicted to opioids can have the lifesaving drug naloxone. The law which was signed by the Governor last April is named Aaron’s law.” – Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Justin Phillips and four of the Champions of Change join panel discussion moderated by Kana Enomoto, Principal Deputy Administrator of SAMHSA. 

Ms. Enomoto asked the panel “With the negative attitudes and the perceptions  that our country still struggles with around substance use disorder and addiction, many people hesitate to seek services or to reach out. How have you each found strength and found power in sharing your stories with people and communities?”