On May 18, 2023, Bridging Access to Care (BAC) hosted a special event to help bring awareness to the opioid crisis across the nation, and the alarming and increasing overdose rates in New York City at the Center For Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. Named the 'Stories of Resilience: The Power of Community', this exclusive event featured a screening of snippets from the inspiring documentary, Tipping the Pain Scale, followed by a powerful panel discussion and uplifting reception.
The first snippet featured one of the film's subjects, Rosalind (Roz) Pichardo, Founder of Operations Save Our City in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, who has saved hundreds of lives of individuals from overdosing on the streets. The second snippet followed the story of Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who shared his battle with alcoholism and efforts to address stigma and lack of services through his leadership positions in local and federal government, as well as Boston Police Officer Joshua De La Rosa, who has gone above and beyond to engage homeless individuals dealing with substance use issues and connect them to care and support services.
The panel discussion was moderated by BAC Board Member Christine Nollen and featured Roz and Joshua from the film, as well as Dr. Michelle Soto, the Chief of Ambulatory Care and Health Equity Officer at South Brooklyn Health/Coney Island Hospital. While sharing their eye-opening experiences in the field, guests left inspired to join the movement to help prevent overdoses.
At the end of the panel discussion, our CEO, Nadine Akinyemi, was joined by Jacob Bistricer, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Clipper Equity, where they shared a common vision to improve community wellness through compassion and strategic partnership.
Later in the evening, guests were invited to the Member's Lounge on the second floor to indulge in some alcohol-free mocktails crafted by our partner, Absence of Proof, in solidarity with individuals who are on the path to sobriety. H'ors d'oeuvres were prepared by Kosher Chef Raisie Saad at CedarStar Catering.
Check out photos from the event in the gallery below.
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