The PILLARS

There have been numerous times during the new administration's War on the Poor when I’ve seriously considered retreating from the chaos—perhaps even moving to a distant place like the Seychelles to gather my thoughts and renew my spirit. But I have chosen not to give in to silence or despair. Instead, I have quietly protested, engaged in respectful debates with those who hold opposing views, and leaned on the support of my like-minded community. I am deeply grateful for my inner circle of friends who encouraged me to step forward and deliver a presentation on Antiracism and Harm Reduction to over 100 healthcare workers in New York City. The healthcare professionals I spoke with—doctors and nurses who care for people who use drugs and those in recovery—often struggle to grasp the complex ways in which race, concentrated poverty, and addiction intersect. As someone with lived experience, a social scientist, an activist, and an advocate, I am uniquely positioned to bring these issues to light. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to my community, to my People. I can no longer afford to remain silent or to privilege my own comfort. The time has come to answer the call to action. I will continue to use my voice for those who do not have the choice or opportunity to sit at the tables to which I have been invited. I will fight for their representation and their rights, because it is my duty, my calling, and my honor to do so. Onward and Upward. Dr. P

Unfortunately the war on the poor isn’t isolated to withholding life-saving drugs from people in “other countries”. It includes withholding Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Mental and Behavioral Health Assistance, funding for Public Education, and Child Welfare dollars right here in America. #TheWaronthePoor is back with a vengeance and we should actively oppose this Administration’s agenda to oppress the American people who live at or below the Federal Poverty Line.

Discover how Felecia Pullen Ph.D's personal journey with addiction inspired her to create S.A.F.E. in Harlem, where she has become a source of hope for her community. S.A.F.E. in Harlem is a unique, teen-led nonprofit that transforms the lives of young people in Central Harlem. With support from various sectors, the organization implements evidence-based programs in schools to promote a drug-free community. Tune in to our latest podcast episode to learn how this innovative approach is paving the way for sustainable change. Find "Empowering Harlem's Youth through Prevention and Change" on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. ???? https://lnkd.in/ej3iNjrt #AddictionTheNextStep Video description: The podcast guest is seated in a room saying, "If we're waiting to try and speak with a young person who is in the 11th or 12th grade, typically the experimentation has already happened and so we really need to start with our young children and giving them empowerment and hope and drive and self-actualization in ways that they don't always get."

Giving Thanks, by Giving Back! Thank you, Brothers in Recovery, the Let’s Talk SAFETY board of directors, and nearly a dozen volunteers for cooking, serving and Narcan training /distributing to over 50 members of the Harlem community.

#Recovery happens when we are surrounded by HOPE, DIRECTION, LOVE, & SAFETY! Please stop by The PILLARS and let us fill your cup. As one of our members says in this video, "Love...Man, they've got plenty".

Care for yourselves and each other as we collectively journey through this thing called life.

If you want to know “Why” I’m passionate about and committed to my work?…it’s because it’s NEVER about the work! I owe my community. I owe my people. I owe my elders and I owe our children. I was tasked to bring the voices of the people to the People’s House.! And, yesterday, I was invited to the White House to give remarks and moderate a panel about the Biden-Harris response to the opioid epidemic. Let our voices be heard… https://lnkd.in/ewSv-YwK

If you want to know “Why” I’m passionate about and committed to my work?…it’s because it’s NEVER about the work! I owe my community. I owe my people. I owe my elders and I owe our children. I was tasked to bring the voices of the people to the People’s House.! And, yesterday, I was invited to the White House to give remarks and moderate a panel about the Biden-Harris response to the opioid epidemic. Let our voices be heard… https://lnkd.in/ewSv-YwK

Thank you Keris J?n Myrick for bringing together a panel of brilliant women, who are dedicated to dismantling Anti-Black Racism, for a live podcast during the Alliance for Rights & Recovery Annual Conference! I can’t wait for the Unapologetically Black Unicorns Pod Drop!

RECOVERY is REAL! Thanks to all who came out to support The PILLARS and S.A.F.E. in Harlem’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. We raised an additional $6,000 during the show and had a ball listening to songbirds Alyson Williams and Peter Collins. I’m sending a special thanks to our hilarious host, Jenelle Jackson. See you next time! Dr. P