In our center’s Community Conversations initiative to reduce stigma related to substance use disorder (SUD), stories of people with lived experience have played a critical role. As a means of humanizing the opioid crisis, artist Charmaine Wheatley met with individuals impacted by opioid use disorder to paint their portraits and represent key moments in their lives through words and phrases in watercolor. Developed with partners in Floyd and Knott counties in Appalachian Kentucky, the art campaign continues to provide a foundation for discussion about stigma and ways of reducing it in rural communities.
Learn more about reducing SUD stigma.

Melissa Handshoe
Melissa Handshoe is an artist, a mother, and an active community member in Knott County.

Shawn Allen
Shawn Allen is a community member and peer in Floyd County, Kentucky.

Reneé Ratliff
Reneé Ratliff is director of the Mountain Center for Recovery and Hope.

Ben Thomas Bowling
Ben Thomas Bowling is a brother, loves music, and is an active member of the recovery community.

Phillip Aaron Hudson
Phillip Aaron Hudson is a father, a farmer, and a community member of Hickory Hill in Knott County.

Les Stapleton
Les Stapleton is mayor of Prestonsburg, Kentucky.