20 Stories of Impact

With a lifetime career focused on helping those recovering from addiction, Barbara Shoup is committed to improving access to care and prevention of overdose deaths. Her commitment was recently directly impacted as a result of a partnership with the Alliance. 

Barbara began her career 29 years ago as a nurse at Ascension’s Brighton Center for Recovery. Three years ago, she was named hospital administrator. Although located in Livingston County, the Center’s clientele largely comes from Oakland County. When she was unable to secure resources for overdose prevention through Livingston County, Barbara reached out to the Alliance. The Alliance placed a Naloxone “Save A Life” station at the Center. And it wasn’t long before the station did exactly as it was intended to do – saving not only one life, but two. 

“We had a patient who left against medical advice from our treatment center and took a Naloxone kit from the dispenser as he was leaving,” Barbara explains. “He eventually met up with a person and began using again. When the other person overdosed, the patient successfully used the Naloxone he had gotten from our station. This incident not only saved the other person's life, but also prompted our patient to return to treatment with a new-found dedication to completing the program. Essentially, the availability of the Naloxone saved two peoples’ lives.”  

This example is one of many that are a direct testament to the work of the Alliance, and its impact across regions. It also inspired Barbara to personally want to become more involved with community efforts in prevention, wellness, harm reduction and recovery. Today, Barbara contributes as a member of the Alliance Board of Directors. 

“I am constantly amazed at the wealth of programs and services offered by the Alliance, and inspired by the work the organization does,” she says. “I am grateful to be a part of the continued growth and expansion that is making a difference.”