Naloxone Goes to Church- Featuring Dr. Francisco Herrera

In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches are responding to the opioid crisis and the growing role of naloxone in faith communities. They are joined by Dr. Francisco Herrera, a theologian and advocate who works to expand naloxone training, harm reduction, and opioid crisis education throughout Illinois. The conversation examines how churches can move beyond simply making naloxone available by offering compassionate follow up, recovery support, medical resources, and meaningful connection after an overdose. Together, they challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and ask how churches can better understand the deeper inequities and circumstances behind opioid use and overdose. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/ The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/ "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/ Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/