In 2019, we formalized what had been only small group discussions and my personal sense that there was a new approach that might make a difference in America’s opioid crisis. In March, we formally launched The Sandgaard Foundation to End the Opioid Epidemic.

Sometimes when people circle up and open up, it rocks. While we often think of a jam session as a ritual for musicians, it turns out the format has much to offer corporate leaders, professionals from other industries and concerned citizens, who are all seeking to understand and make a difference in the opioid crisis gripping our communities and our nation.

As a nation, we work hard to escape suffering, pushing pain away by focusing on anything other than the pain, including addictions to social media, work, alcohol and drugs. We all have someone we care about who is suffering right now, alone and ashamed—a friend, family, a co-worker, a neighbor.