Rod Courtney was a probation and parole officer and trained social worker. But even with that experience, Rod Courtney couldn’t save his son. Chad, who was 38, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2016. Following his son’s death, Rod has dedicated his life to helping those who suffer from substance use disorder and their families. Rod’s advocacy work includes serving as Executive Director of CRUSH of Iowa, which stands for Community Resources to Stop Heroin. He talks about how he copes with his loss and helps support other parents who have lost children to overdose or are dealing with addiction in their children.
Our Guest
Rod Courtney
Rod is currently Executive Director of CRUSH of Iowa (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin). He became involved in CRUSH in 2017 after losing his 38-year-old son to fentanyl poisoning in November 2016. Since then, he has helped develop and coordinate CRUSH Family and Friends Support Group. Currently, Rod Courtney, along with his wife Debbie, several volunteers from the Recovery Community, and several local agencies are in the process of establishing a Recovery Community Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He continues to advocate for improved recovery resources for those suffering from a Substance Use Disorder.
