Aneri Patani

Aneri Patani, a national health correspondent with Kaiser Health News, dives into the newly launched 988 mental health hotline. She discusses its vital role in connecting individuals in crisis with trained professionals while addressing concerns about accessibility and safety. Patani highlights the risks involved, especially regarding police involvement and the experiences of marginalized communities. She emphasizes the need for better resources to improve effectiveness, ensuring every caller can get the support they truly need.

Nabarun Dasgupta, a street drug scientist with two decades in overdose prevention, joins Kaylee McLeod, director of Philadelphia's overdose response unit, and Aneri Patani, a senior correspondent focusing on mental health and addiction. They discuss the recent 27% drop in overdose deaths, attributed to public health initiatives and naloxone accessibility. The conversation dives into federal funding challenges, demographic disparities in overdoses, and effective harm reduction strategies, emphasizing the need for empathy and community support in tackling the ongoing crisis.