REACH!! UNITED
AN urgent national campaign to dramatically Reduce overdose deaths and Improve the access and quality of treatment for those fighting the disease of addiction.
One Family’s Tragedy
A Nation’s Crisis
Facing the Crisis
Personal Stories of Loss and Hope
2024 Knoxville Summit
Experts and Families speak
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Former U.S. Surgeon General speaks at opioid summit in Knoxville
"KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The opioid epidemic across the country and here in East Tennessee continues to harm people and their families.
An Opioid abatement summit was held Thursday in Knoxville as a way for organizations and people to network and join forces to fight this problem.
The crowd at the inaugural summit consisted of many organizations like Metro Drug Coalition and Chase Away Fentanyl. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams was there answering questions and sharing his thoughts on what can be done to stop this issue from growing. Parents who lost loved ones to the Opioid and Fentanyl crisis were also there sharing their stories and hoping to find answers as to how they can help others. One parent says it’s all about erasing the stigma around addiction."
America’s Opioid Crisis
Tragically, 107,543 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2023, with a total of 1 million deaths over the past seven years. It is crucial that the $55 billion from opioid abatement settlements be allocated urgently and strategically.
A Prescription for Addiction
PHASE 1
BEDS
AND
MEDS
Reduce the opioid overdose death rate by ensuring easy access to free opioid overdose reversal drugs such as Narcan and Opvee.
1
Far too many individuals overdose while waiting for a treatment bed. This gap in care can be addressed by implementing temporary respite bed facilities that offer same-day admission.
2
We will fight current restrictions on Suboxone availability, allowing patients to manage withdrawal symptoms safely during the initial stages of recovery.
3
Why Reach?
The Reach!! Team
Dr. Jerome Adams, MD
National Advisory Board
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As the 20th U.S. Surgeon General and a prior member of the President’s Coronavirus task force, Dr. Adams has been at the forefront of America’s most pressing health challenges. A regular communicator via tv, radio, and print, Dr. Adams is an expert not just in the science, but also in communicating the science to the lay public, and making it relevant to various audiences.
Ryan Cain
National Advisory Board
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Ryan Cain is a vibrant member of the Nashville mental health, substance use, and business communities, with a demonstrated 24 year history of working hands-on in the healthcare industry in the service of those around him. A strong entrepreneurship professional, Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
from the University of Mississippi. Ryan currently serves as CEO of the Hope Desk, a mental health concierge service supporting clients such as Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also
the Executive Director of Fund Recovery, a Nashville-based non-profit that provides funding to directly support people struggling with mental health or substance misuse
issues who cannot otherwise afford help.
Ryan began his work in the mental health space, founding Music City
Interventions, and developing several other mental health and addiction-specific businesses that provide relief and recovery nationwide. These businesses include the Nashville Recovery Center, the Tennessee Recovery Clinic, NRhythm Recovery
Residences, the Becoming Counseling & Wellness, and the Nashville Detox Center.
All told, Ryan has been instrumental in providing assistance to countless individuals suffering from mental health or substance use issues. Ryan also loves to give back to his community through his participation as a board member at the Elam Center at Meharry Medical College and as a member of both the Nashville Business Journal Leadership Trust and the Nashville Healthcare Council.
Tim Cheney
National Advisory Board
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Timothy W. Cheney is a seasoned executive and management consultant with over four decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. His expertise encompasses the staffing, nonprofit, and addiction treatment and research industries. Tim has a proven track record in strategic planning, sales and operations management, C-level business development, technology solutions development, recruitment, training, process design, implementation, and sustainability planning.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Boston University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He also pursued a Master of Divinity at Yale University.
As an experienced consultant and entrepreneur, Tim has specialized in addiction treatment, technical design, and strategic direction. He founded several organizations, including Enso Recovery, Choopers Guide, and Overdose Warning Network, pioneering innovative solutions in addiction recovery and real-time overdose reporting. As Chairman of Headway Corporate Resources, he directed international technical staffing, and through Cheney Associates, he served over 250 clients. Tim is passionate about raising funds for substance use treatment and prevention through the Choopers Foundation.
Tim has authored multiple epidemiological assessments on substance abuse and has been actively involved with several professional organizations, including the Connecticut Association of Personnel Services and the National Association of Personnel Consultants.
Deeply committed to community service, Tim has engaged with numerous organizations, including Faces and Voices of Recovery, Maine Harm Reduction Alliance, and the Lincoln County Substance Use Prevention Partnership, among others.
John Harkrider
Senior Advisor
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John Harkrider provides extensive financial and deal structuring knowledge to a variety of corporations, governments and individuals with a focus on post-conflict zones. With 20 years of experience in Southern and Eastern Europe, his detailed knowledge of emerging markets is highly valued. He specializes in deal structuring, business liaison and private equity activities focusing on infrastructure, agriculture and energy for multinational companies and governments pursuing business opportunities in the industrial and financial sectors. A native Texan, Harkrider has studied in various universities in Europe and speaks Spanish, Italian, German, and Turkish. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in diplomatic history and an interdisciplinary Masters Degree in History, Government and Business from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania.
Darcie Johnston
National Advisory Board
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Darcie Johnston’s career has reflected her deep interest in both health care and electoral campaigns. One of the rare professionals who combines a deep understanding of both policy and politics. Most recently, she served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during the entire Trump Administration. In this position, she was an integral part of the day-to-day coordination between HHS and the 50 State Governors, especially during the Covid crisis. She brings a deep understanding and knowledge of how federal legislation, policies and administrative rules fit into state programs and initiatives, as well as outstanding relationships in Governor’s offices around the country that can facilitate the sharing of best practices.
Patrick J. Kennedy
National Advisory Board
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The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the nation’s leading political voice on mental illness, addiction, and other brain diseases. During his 16-year career representing Rhode Island in Congress, he fought a national battle to end medical and societal discrimination against these illnesses, highlighted by his lead sponsorship of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008–and his brave openness about his own health challenges.
The son of Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, he decided to leave Congress not long after his father’s death to devote his career to advocacy for brain diseases and to create a new, healthier life and start a family. He has since founded the Kennedy Forum, which unites the community of mental health, and co-founded One Mind for Research, a global leader in open science collaboration in brain research. Kennedy is also the co-author of “A Common Struggle,” which outlines both his personal story and a bold plan for the future of mental health in America. He is also the co-founder of SAM, Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Sam MacMaster, Ph.D.
National Advisory Board
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Samuel A. MacMaster, Ph.D. is an expert in the behavioral health field with over three decades of experience in the design, delivery, and evaluation of substance use and mental health treatment services.He has developed programs across the United States, and in several foreign countries, focused on implementing innovative approaches to meeting the needs of underserved populations. He was the Co-founder of a behavioral health company where he served as the Chief Clinical Officer and built ten residential and twenty outpatient facilities across the southeast; and has held similar executive level positions in two other large national treatment organizations where he was responsible for developing and driving similar rates of growth of quality clinical programming. During his career, Dr. MacMaster has been engaged as a consultant with over a hundred healthcare providers, community-based organizations, local and state governments, and investment groups, lending his expertise to ensure the effective delivery of meaningful treatment solutions to individuals who struggle with addiction and mental illness.
He is currently an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Meharry Medical College and was previously a member of the faculty of the Department of Family and Community Medicine atBaylor Medical College and the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee. A pioneer in the area of outcome studies and the identification of barriers to engagement in treatment services, he has conducted numerous federally funded research studies and demonstration projects regarding the efficacy of behavioral health approaches. He has been a frequent speaker at academic and industry conferences across the globe and has published three books and over 75 peer-reviewed articles focused on behavioral health topics. He holds a PhD in Social Welfare and a Master of Science in Social Administration fromCase Western Reserve University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami of Ohio.Prior to entering academia in 1999, Dr. MacMaster worked as a clinician for over a decade in a variety of treatment settings. A person living in long-term recovery, he remains a tireless advocate for recovery for all individuals who struggle with addiction
George Massengill
Executive Vice President
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George Massengill, BSSW, LADAC, is a seasoned industry professional with over three decades of diverse experience in healthcare, IT, and business financial sectors. He has held pivotal roles ranging from CEO to Clinical Director in renowned companies such as the University of Tennessee, CRC Health/Acadia Health, and Peninsula Health System.
George served as Senior Vice President at Philips Holdings Inc., where he successfully developed relationships with Fortune 500 clients, executed large-scale contracts, and fostered crucial business relationships. Additionally, he has made a significant impact as a board member and CMO/EVP at JourneyPure, establishing treatment services across the nation. Most recently, George served as CEO and President of Evolve Addiction Services, developing comprehensive care and value-based contacting. The program included detox, MAT, outpatient services, partial hospitalization and housing, with a statewide foot print in Tennessee.
Throughout his career, George has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen by starting, buying, and selling several companies. He founded The Wellness Centers, a statewide outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health service, which he sold to Bradford Health in 2003. He then established HealthConnect America, a state-wide and now national company providing in-home mental health, SUD, and case management services, which he sold to Xebec Corp in 2007. George also started Recovery Living Services, offering statewide outpatient and recovery houses, and sold it to CRC/Acadia in 2010. In 2016, he merged Another Chance Recovery and Faith, an inpatient detox and residential facility for men, into The Serenity Center and Network, which he later sold to JourneyPure.
In addition to his healthcare ventures, George founded PMR Inc., a technology firm specializing in developing electronic medical records (EMRs) and smart care-driven communication systems for U.S. healthcare. As CEO, he spearheaded the development of trademarks such as MyHealth Card and My Healthrec, creating networks for case management and payment processing for smart card EMR-driven systems. George's extensive experience and innovative contributions have consistently advanced the fields he has engaged with, underscoring his reputation as a multifaceted leader and visionary in the industry.
Siobhan Morse
National Advisory Board
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As Product Director for the Behavioral Division at UHS of Delaware, Inc. (UHS), Siobhan Morse is charged
with spearheading the research, clinical operations management and new product development
focusing on substance use disorder treatment.
Ms. Morse holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration, and is certified as a Master
Addiction Counselor, Clinical Research Coordinator and ARISE Interventionist. She regularly presents
original research worldwide, has published multiple articles in peer reviewed scientific journals, and
conducts education within the addiction services network in UHS.
Recently, she presented at the request of the Department of Justice to over 2,000 federal grant
recipients on treating opioid use disorder (OUD). She contributed a chapter highlighting her lived
experience with substance use disorder, trauma and mental health to the book, Breakthrough, which
later won a Book Excellence Award. In recognition of her dedicated work to support Americans who are
in or seeking recovery, Ms. Morse was presented a Presidential Proclamation in 2020 by the White
House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Bureau of Justice Administration. She is also currently
the Chairperson of the DC-Based Partners in Care Network and sits on multiple Federal Bureau of Justice
Advisory Panels addressing the use of peers as well as equity, diversity and inclusion in the nation’s
correctional drug treatment programs
Jim Murphy
President/CEO
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Jim Murphy is President and CEO of Reach!! United, a not-for-profit foundation engaged in our
nation’s crisis with addiction and rehabilitation. Its mission is to promote urgent action to lower
the overdose death rate and increase the success rate of treatment programs.
He also currently serves as a strategic communications consultant at Integrated Strategy Group, a bi-partisan, corporate public affairs firm he Co-Founded with former Congressman Heath Shuler
in 2018, and an Executive Leadership and Transformational Life Coach.
Previously, Jim served as President and Managing Partner at DCI Group, a DC-based independent public affairs firm. During his 15-year association with DCI, he provided strategic and management consulting advice to blue-chip corporations and trade
associations. Among others, his client work spanned the telecommunications, gaming, financial services, and sugar industries.
As President of DCI from 2007 to 2012, he was the day-to-day manager of the firm, overseeing Finance and Accounting, Legal and HR functions. From 2002 to 2007, he managed DCI’s 50 state network of grassroots, PR, and government affairs consultants.
Jim left DCI in June of 2012 to run the Republican National Committee’s Independent Expenditure campaign on behalf of Romney for President – a $45 million-dollar paid advertising
effort in battleground states. In 2016 he was National Political Director for Donald Trump and is honored to have worked as a Senior Advisor for Bob Dole in both his 1988 and 1996 presidential campaigns.
Jim graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1978 with a B.A. in Economics. He also has an Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership.“Murph” is a Rhode Island native currently residing in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Leon Evans
National Advisory Board
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For over 40 years, Leon Evans has worked with community partners in public health and safety to provide innovative approaches to hope and healing. Evans's internationally recognized programs promote a highly effective, cooperative spirit across health, law enforcement, judicial, and nonprofit organizations.
Leon led The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) in San Antonio, Texas, serving as CEO of the renowned organization that improved thousands of lives. Under his leadership, CHCS helped people avoid jail and long-term hospital stays, improved outcomes, and reduced health care costs, saving $95 million in public funding. Leon hosted notable figures such as Obama Drug Czars Michael Botticelli and Gill Kerlikowske, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, as well as officials from seven countries and hundreds of communities, who visited to learn about CHCS’s community collaborations, diversion services, cost benefits, and positive outcomes.
Leon has held numerous leadership roles at local, state, and national levels, including Chairperson of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Disability Directors. He was recognized by CNN as one of our nation's "Mental Wellness Warriors" and has received honors such as the American Psychiatric Association Gold Award and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Directors Service Excellence Award.
Since retiring as CEO of CHCS, Leon continues to consult and advocate on crisis response, jail diversion, and homelessness. He currently serves as a member of the National Quality Partners' "National Opioid Taskforce," among other organizations.
Sara Preston
Executive Director
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Sara Preston brings heart, commitment and dedication to her work.
She is an experienced healthcare consultant, executive, and strategist - now leveraging over 15 years of expertise in high-stakes, fast-paced environments in service to her clients.
Her particular areas of focus include business planning, organizational infrastructure, operations, admissions, alumni services, and business development.
Throughout her career, Sara has also established herself as a marketing and sales leader. She has consistently delivered remarkable results by enhancing call center efficiencies, implementing scalable infrastructures, and providing hands-on training.
Sara's professional journey has included leadership roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Director of Strategic Projects, and Director of Admissions. In these capacities, she has developed a proven ability to build strong teams, using her emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to communicate complex business strategies.
Sara currently serves as the Executive Director for Reach!! United, a bipartisan political advocacy group dedicated to bringing innovative and effective solutions to our nation’s opioid crisis. In this role, she promotes better harm reduction programs, establishing temporary respite housing — as well as ensuring equitable access to live-saving medication and treatment beds.
Sara Preston's blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and empathetic leadership underpin her reputation as an influential figure in the healthcare and recovery markets.
Jay Samuels DDS
National Advisory Board
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Jay Samuels DDS is a wellness dentist practicing in North Bethesda, Maryland for the past 25 years. His focus is on functional and comprehensive restorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry, whole body health and the oral-systemic link.
A past International Officer and Executive Board member for the Alpha Omega Dental Organization, Dr. Samuels has been a board member for the Sidney J. Malawer Memorial Melanoma Foundation. He has previously served on an advisory board for the Washington Capitals Hockey Organization and is a mentor for the University of Maryland Football Team.
Dr. Samuels is a fierce advocate for those suffering from mental health and addiction and provides dental care to those with special needs in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is recognized for his work with the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program, and volunteers with Catholic Charities Mission of Mercy providing dental care to underserved communities in Maryland, DC and Virginia as well as internationally.
Dr. Samuels holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from University of Maryland at Baltimore, and a General Practice and Surgical Residency from the Miami Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center.
Dr. Samuels lives in Kensington, MD and has 3 amazing children--Alec, Max and Coley.
Heath Shuler
National Advisory Board
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Heath is a Co-Founder of ISG. He has a unique and distinguished career as a 3-term Democrat Member of Congress (NC-11), a Fortune 250 corporate executive, a successful business entrepreneur, and as an NFL quarterback. He served as the SVP, Federal Government Affairs for Duke Energy Corporation, where he led a team engaged in policy development, analysis, advocacy, and strategic planning. While serving in the US House of Representatives, he Co-Chaired the Blue Dog Coalition, and served on the US House Budget, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources Committees.
