Be a Part of the Conversation

09/04/2026

September is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize the many people living in recovery and building meaningful, healthy lives.

Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. And when someone we love is affected by addiction, recovery can bring changes for the whole family.

What does recovery look like to you?

09/03/2026

"Conversation Closeup" is a series of shorts that highlight Be a Part of Conversation's work and community.

In this episode, Executive Director Kim Porter, CFRS, talked with Sarah Laurel, founder of Savage Sisters, which provides the Philadelphia community with resources for those living with or affected by substance use disorder. Their outreaches advocate for disease prevention, education, and ending the stigma around addiction. Additionally, Savage provides a safe, structured, trauma-informed and pro-social living environment for people recovering from substance use disorder where they can safely recreate their lives.

Learn more about Be a Part of the Conversation's services by visiting https://conversation.zone.

09/02/2026

Siblings of loved ones struggling with substance use carry a unique kind of weight, one that deserves connection, understanding, and support.

We’re proud to offer our Sibling Partnership, a dedicated space just for them. What began in 2023 as a monthly virtual group has grown into a weekly meeting, thanks to the voices of siblings who shared the need for more consistent support.

Led by Mallory Henry, BS, CPS of Caron Treatment Centers, this group creates a safe, welcoming space to talk, listen, and connect with others who truly understand.

Every Wednesday at 8 PM on Zoom: https://conversation.zone/siblinglink

09/01/2026

Recovery happens together.

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation, and neither should families have to navigate the impact of addiction alone.

For families, having a place to connect with others who understand can make all the difference. It can mean finding support, learning what helps, asking questions without judgment, and realizing you’re not the only one going through this.

At Be a Part of the Conversation, we believe connection matters. When families have support, resources, and a community around them, they can find their own path forward.

This National Recovery Month, let’s remember that recovery affects more than one person. Families need support, too.

Check out all of our family resources at https:/convo.zone

08/31/2026

What if we kept talking about (addiction), rolling it around in our hands, dissecting it, trying to understand it, while others truly listened?

That’s the question at the heart of our latest blog post, Between Pitches.

And today, on National Overdose Awareness Day, it feels especially important. We talk about overdose. We talk about the numbers, the losses, the urgency of the crisis.

But what happens when we keep talking?

When we make room for the complicated conversations about addiction, recovery, grief, family, stigma, and what it means to support the people who are living through it?

Because awareness shouldn’t be a single day. And neither should the conversation.

Read Linda Geraghty's heartfelt words about her family's devasting loss:

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Let’s get rid of the clock. Let’s talk about it. Let’s throw the curveball addiction finally misses. "Between Pitches" by Linda Geraghty In 2022, when Major League Baseball announced the pitch clock, I didn’t like it. To

08/31/2026

Tonight, we gather in remembrance and hope. 🕯️

Conversation is honored to be attending Night of Light in West Chester, hosted by Chester County Health Department, Drug & Alcohol Services, an evening dedicated to remembering lives lost to substance use disorders and bringing hope to those working toward recovery.

We’re especially proud that our Director of Family Support, Gail Freas Campbell, BSN, RN, CFRS, will be speaking as part of this important community event.

If you’re attending, please stop by, say hello, and connect with us. We look forward to being together with so many people committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.

📍 Historic Courthouse Steps, West Chester
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM

08/27/2026

We have seen dramatic changes in addictive substances over time. The illicit drug supply, legal “gas station drugs,” and THC products and potencies have completely transformed substance use in our region.

We’ll address the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and experienced by people in recovery, and we’ll explore community-based efforts, including harm reduction and treatment options. We’ll be joined by a treatment professional, community leaders, and an individual with lived experience.

Join this FREE ONLINE presentation hosted by Clay Gueits, MD, who is an addiction and consultation and liaison psychiatrist at St. Luke's Health Network/Penn Foundation in the Lehigh Valley.

This program is funded by Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.

Register today at convo.zone/landscape.

08/24/2026

"It's the first time in my life I knew a group of people who cared."

“Conversation Closeup” is a series of shorts that highlight Be a Part of the Conversation's work and community. In this episode, Executive Director Kim
Porter, CFRS, talked with Killian Noe, the founder and visionary behind the Recovery Cafe Network.

Learn more about this community-centered recovery support model at https://recoverycafe.org/

08/21/2026

Did you know about cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?

A recent CDC report highlights a condition associated with frequent cannabis use that can cause repeated episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Nearly 200,000 cannabis hyperemesis syndrome–involved emergency department visits were identified between January 2023 and May 2026. The CDC notes that CHS may have been underrecognized in the past, and a new diagnosis code is helping clinicians identify it more consistently.

For families, education matters. Knowing the potential risks of frequent cannabis use and knowing what questions to ask can be an important part of having informed conversations about substance use.

Read the full report below.

This report describes emergency department visits involving cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) after implementing a CHS diagnosis code.

08/21/2026

People, places, emotions, and anniversaries can all be triggers for substance use. Recognizing and preparing for these triggers can help support long-term recovery, for individuals and their families.

Learn more about our programs and services at https://convo.zone/