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In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore the social determinants of health and how they shape experiences with substance use and recovery outcomes. Understanding these broader social, economic, and environmental factors helps illuminate the systems and contexts that affect both individual well-being and community health.

The conversation features Brittany, an EMPOWERED program client whose recovery journey deeply involved addressing key social determinants, including housing stability and access to supportive services. Her personal narrative brings a powerful perspective to how systemic support makes recovery possible.

Joining her is Dr. Joe Greer, Dean of the Roseman University College of Medicine, who came to Roseman in 2020 with a vision to build a medical school that truly grows from the community it serves. Before coming to Las Vegas, he spent years in Miami working directly with underserved communities, where he led the nationally recognized NeighborhoodHELP™ program at FIU. At Roseman, he and his team created GENESIS, a program providing household-centered care to Las Vegas while educating medical students about social determinants of health. His work has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama and a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship. He is also the author of Waking Up in America, about caring for people who are often overlooked and shaping policy that listens to real lived experience.

The episode explores what social determinants of health are and how factors like housing, employment, education, social support, and healthcare access specifically impact individuals with substance use disorders. Dr. Greer and Brittany discuss systematic changes that can improve recovery outcomes, how healthcare institutions can address social determinants, and the interconnectedness of individual and community health. Through personal stories and policy perspectives, listeners gain an understanding of how addressing these foundational needs supports lasting recovery and builds healthier communities.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.
If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.
EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.
Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.
Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.
Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.