Red Emma’s

Join NAMI Metro and Red Emma's as we host a dynamic panel featuring peers with lived experience, overdose prevention workers, and researchers to explore how substance use disorders (SUD) affect individual and community mental health.

While overdose deaths in Maryland have reached a 10-year low, substance use disorders continue to be a public health issue. Recent data show that nearly 1 in 6 Americans experiences a substance use disorder, and many people also live with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Despite the monumental decline, overdoses remain a leading cause of death for adults under 45, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, education, and compassionate, integrated care.

Join us as we talk with an author with his own recovery journey, a therapist, addiction researchers, and the Mayor's Office of Overdose Prevention. This discussion will examine how SUD impacts families and communities, share real-world insights from people on the front lines of overdose prevention, and highlight research-informed strategies that support recovery and mental wellness. Attendees will also learn about harm reduction approaches and local resources available for support.

This event is open to community members, families, advocates, and professionals interested in building healthier, more informed, and more connected communities.

- ‎Allison Hadel, Mental Health Therapist Intern & Certified Associate Counselor for Alcohol and Drug

-Kevin Shird, Three-time published author, activist, and peer in recovery

-Orlando Wright, Ph.D. and LCSW-C Addiction Researcher at UMD Baltimore

-Sara Whaley, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Overdose Prevention