Episode 159: From Tragedy to Prevention — How Victoria's Voice Foundation Carries Hope for Families and Loved Ones (featuring Leah Shepherd)

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Leah Shepherd, Executive Director of Victoria's Voice Foundation, to explore how one family’s tragedy became a national movement for drug prevention education and naloxone awareness. Founded by David and Jackie Siegel after the loss of their daughter Victoria Siegel in 2015, Victoria’s Voice works to equip youth, parents, and communities with tools to prevent substance use and overdose from happening. We also discuss the evolution of drug prevention in today’s world — including the influence of social media, changing perceptions, and the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations between parents and teens.  This episode is about prevention, compassion, and action.  Because awareness saves lives.About the Guest:Leah Shepherd serves as Executive Director of Victoria’s Voice Foundation, the national nonprofit dedicated to drug-prevention education, overdose awareness, and substance-use disorder prevention for families, youth, and communities. In this role, Leah leads the Foundation’s strategic efforts to expand and deepen its impact across programs including youth education (Save Our Kids), parent/caregiver/educator support (VITAL SIGNS), naloxone- access and awareness initiatives (Get. Give. Save.), and outreach to parents, schools, correctional institutions, and community networks. Under her leadership, Victoria’s Voice has helped positively impact the lives of more than one million students, parents, educators and community members nationwide through its evidence-based prevention and education efforts. Leah spearheaded the creation of National Naloxone Awareness Day, along with public-policy and advocacy efforts that support expanded access to lifesaving overdose-reversal medication. As a key public representative of Victoria’s Voice, she frequently engages in media interviews, public-speaking events, and high-visibility partnerships that amplify the Foundation’s mission. In her leadership capacity, Leah implements impactful events that drive the mission across partner channels and oversees all operational and financial controls in collaboration with the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Her leadership fosters passionate teamwork, strategic growth, and a steadfast commitment to protecting youth, empowering families, and strengthening communities nationwide.Links: Website: https://victoriasvoice.foundation/ Social Handles:Instagram--@VictoriasVoiceFoundationFacebook--@VictoriasVoice FoundationSupport the showThank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail [email protected] podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education.  Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost.  Listen to an episode.  Take a quiz.  Complete an eval.  Earn a certificate.  Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-educationTalking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier.  This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery.  Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field.  Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery.  Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.