COE-NF Lived Experience: From Addiction to Healing Hands – A Substance Use Counselor’s Inspiring Journey

Welcome to the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities podcast. This is the first episode which features a “Lived Experience.” This is a compelling series of the podcast that delves into the profound and diverse stories of individuals navigating the intricate landscapes of behavioral health and substance use.

In each episode, we invite you to explore first-hand testimonials from people across different walks of life, sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the transformative power of their lived experiences. Our goal is to inspire, educate, inform, and motivate as we embark on this collective journey towards understanding, resilience, and hope. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of human strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

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This episode features Atlanta-based substance use counselor, David McKay. He shares his motivations for seeking change in his life, pivotal moments  he experienced during the process and keys that have helped him sustain his recovery.

Visit nursinghomebehavioralhealth.org for more information and for additional resources.

the center of excellence for behavioral health in nursing facilities (COE-NF)

Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the COE-NF offers Certified Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Staff a centralized resource hub with easy access to trainings, technical assistance and additional resources, at no cost.

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What We Do

We help nursing facilities to improve the quality of life and care provided for residents who are experiencing a variety of behavioral health disorders, with a focus on Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD).

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Who We Help

We provide direct technical assistance, evidence-based training, and resources that are appropriate for every member of your long-term care facility — from those providing day-to-day direct care, to clinical and administrative staff.

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