The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.

Among the many problems facing Eastern Kentuckians, one of the most foundational is the lack of consistent job opportunities. The lack of income and structure a job provides compounds with several other issues that make it pretty difficult to maintain a desired life. For people in active addiction or in recovery, the effects of either having or not having a job are multiplied, as we've heard countless times over the course of The Local Lens.

The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) has been helping all Kentuckians find employment for years, but now they have launched a new program designed specifically for people in recovery. The Strategic Initiative for Transformational Employment (SITE) is designed to help connect people in recovery who are looking to launch careers with the employers around our state looking to fill openings.

Their approach takes time and effort -- they hope to get people into a dream career with a full, bright future, not just the first job available. SITE works with people to find something they can be excited about, something they can rally behind.

These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.

Learn more about the EKCEP SITE program with this link: https://www.ekcep.org/site

Listen to another episode of ours featuring Brittany Kegley with AppHarvest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1668655/10844528-appharvest-brittany-kegley-and-patrick-bryant

Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!

24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)

Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.

Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060

Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.

Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.

The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).

Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares