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Turning Pain into Purpose: How M-COPE is Fighting Against Substance Use Disorder and Overdose Through Education, Awareness, Prevention, and Remembrance

Positive Recovery MD

Release Date: 03/10/2026

Turning Pain into Purpose: How M-COPE is Fighting Against Substance Use Disorder and Overdose Through Education, Awareness, Prevention, and Remembrance show art Turning Pain into Purpose: How M-COPE is Fighting Against Substance Use Disorder and Overdose Through Education, Awareness, Prevention, and Remembrance

Positive Recovery MD

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In this conversation, host Julie DeNofa sits down with Kathy Posey, Paige Butler, and Kim Robbins, three inspiring women serving on the Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor Board (M-COPE)

Kathy and Kim, Co-Founders of M-COPE, share their personal stories of losing a child to addiction and how, after four moms met through the GRASP grief group ( Grief Recovery After Substance Passing) after losing their children to accidental overdose, they realized the need for spreading awareness around the disease of addiction. 

Paige also shares her journey through a different perspective of loving a child who is now in recovery from substance use disorder. With their stories, Kathy, Paige, and Kim are now turning their pain into purpose in helping other families heal. 

The mission at M-COPE is to collaborate with individuals, communities, schools, and organizations to raise awareness about substance use disorder and the alarming rise in overdose and drug-related deaths in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Their efforts are grounded in four key pillars: education, awareness, prevention, and remembrance. 

 Through this approach, they shine a light on the growing drug crisis, work to end the stigma surrounding substance use, and advocate for those currently in need of support as well as for those who can no longer speak for themselves.

 Topics Discussed:

  • Advice for parents and families learning to navigate grief after overdose loss

  • The importance of remembering loved ones beyond their addiction

  • Recognizing that everyone grieves differently and giving others more grace

  • Understanding emotional triggers and grief waves after loss

  • Why volunteer-driven organizations play a critical role in community recovery

  • How overdose awareness and prevention efforts are helping communities

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CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Purpose From Pain - Introduction to MCOPE

03:33 Meet Kathy Posey, Kim Robbins, and Paige Bulter

08:04 What M-Cope is and the Four Pillars: Awareness, Prevention, Education, and Rememberance

11:06 Volunteering, Community Partners, and Supporting Newly Bereaved

15:39 Grief Advice For Families: Connection, Caregiving, Healing, and Support 

23:10 Recognizing Grief Waves and Triggers and Finding Joy Again

28:47 Honoring Loved Ones Who Lost Their Lives to Addiction

30:39 The Hope of Recovery 

33:52 M-COPE Outreach through Blessing Bags, Narcan Outreach, Scholarships And Community Impact

39:11 Recovery Community Resources

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About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame. 

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!