Busting Stigma & Centering Lived Experience | Whitney Menarcheck

In this conversation we’re switching things up! Dr. Mo interviews Whitney Menarcheck, who discusses her journey to Straight Up Care and her personal mission to eliminate barriers and provide opportunities for individuals with lived experience. She shares her own experiences with depression, grief, trauma, and her work with individuals with substance use disorder. Whitney emphasizes the importance of unlearning biases and addressing stigma in the field of addiction and mental health. She highlights the role of Straight Up Care in supporting peer specialists and empowering them to become peer entrepreneurs. Whitney also discusses the need to expand peer support beyond addiction and mental health and to break down barriers in accessing services. Overall, her goal is to continue busting stigma and centering the voices of those with lived experience.