032 Recovery Policy for the People | Jay Chaudhary

Recovery isn't just a personal journey; it's a community effort supported by effective policy and compassionate systems. In this powerful conversation, host Ti King sits down with Jay Chaudhary, a national leader in mental health and the new Senior Fellow for Mental Health & Community Wellbeing at the Sagamore Institute.Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of recovery, delving into how robust community support, innovative policy, and responsive mental health systems are essential for creating lasting change. The discussion touches on the unique role of sports in fostering connection, the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our collective wellbeing, and the critical need for flexible crisis response systems like the 988 Lifeline. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jay highlights the irreplaceable value of peer support and discusses the tangible progress being made to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of public health, policy, and personal recovery, offering a hopeful look at building healthier communities for all.In this episode, you will learn:Community is essential for recovery.Recovery is a journey, not a destination.Trauma can lead to addiction issues.COVID-19 highlighted the importance of mental health.Stigma around mental health is decreasing.Peer support is crucial in recovery.Flexibility in systems is necessary for an effective response.Prevention involves addressing the social determinants of health.About Our Guest:Jay Chaudhary is the Senior Fellow for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the Sagamore Institute, where he continues his national leadership in advancing innovative solutions for behavioral health.Previously, Jay served as the director for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (2019-2024). During his tenure, he led a nationally recognized rollout of the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline and was instrumental in Indiana's selection for the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program. Under his leadership, Indiana’s comprehensive state ranking from Mental Health America rose from the 40s to 24th. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the “20 under 40” award from the Council of State Governments and the “Champion of Justice” award from the Indiana Judges Association. Before his state-level work, Jay developed an award-winning Medical-Legal Partnership with Indiana Legal Services, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to creating innovative, community-based solutions.Resources:Sagamore Institute: https://sagamoreinstitute.org/about-jay-chaudhary/988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 anytime in the US and Canada.#recovery #addiction #communitysupport #peersupport #pacersvsthunder #pacers #hoosier