Grieving Out Loud with Angela Kennecke
Episode:
70

Mother loses only child to fentanyl poisoning

Susan Bartz Herrick’s only child Luke was “set up” for addiction due to several factors while still in his teens. He had years of sobriety and accomplishments but experienced setback after setback. On August 28th, 2021, Susan lost her 30-year-old son, Luke, to fentanyl poisoning. She is now speaking out to tell Luke’s story and advocate for substance use disorder. Soon, Susan will release a book and potentially a film that chronicle’s his life and loss.

Our Guest

Susan Bartz Herrick

Susan Bartz Herrick began her career as a Community Liaison Specialist at Cumberland Psychiatric Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. She was active in special events and workshop development activities and wrote and recorded multiple programs for WFNC’s radio medical program “Speaking of Health.” Susan was also the spokesperson and primary talent for the hospital in statewide radio and television advertisements.

After the birth of Susan’s son, Luke, she switched fields to teach Speech and Theatre at Methodist University, St. Andrews College. She has recently retired from her tenured position at UNC-Fayetteville State. Susan owns her Health and Wellness company that partners with Shaklee Corporation. She is a sought-after public speaker and consultant in the field of Health and Wellness and has developed numerous Community Education Seminars and programs. Lecture topics include Personality Styles for Productive Management, Making Dreams Come True, Stress and Healthy Lifestyle Choices; Adult Children of Alcoholics, Addiction and the Family; Challenges of Childhood: Health Epidemics of the 21 Century. Rx for Active Aging.

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