The opioid epidemic is one of the most devastating public health crises of our time, claiming nearly one million lives in the U.S. since 1999. Kim Keene, LMSW, CASAC-T ’22 M’24 is on the frontlines of this battle, giving people who struggle with addiction the expert counseling they need to stay on the road to recovery.
“Although deaths from heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids are still high nationwide,” Kim said, “the tide is finally turning, thanks to better harm-reduction strategies and greater access to naloxone, which can reverse an overdose.”
Social workers also have a vital role to play, Kim added.
“Many people with drug use disorders have co-occurring mental health diagnoses,” she said, “and we’re able to provide psychosocial assessments and ongoing support to aid in prevention and treatment.”
The result of this integrated, individualized approach? Opioid-related deaths are down 27% this year across the U.S. and 34% across New York state. It’s truly heartening news – with a lot more work to be done.
Kindness, Compassion, Determination
Always drawn to the healthcare field, Kim started off as a nursing assistant at Crouse Health in Syracuse, N.Y.
“I soon realized that nursing wasn’t the right fit for me,” she said, “but I still knew I was meant to help people when they need it most.”
She found her footing in a care coordination role at Crouse, where she worked closely with medical social workers every day.
“That’s when I realized that social work might be the path I wanted to pursue,” she said.
Kim entered Keuka College’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and stayed on for an Master of Social Work (MSW).
“As I was busy working and raising my young children, online learning worked well with my life."
During her studies, Kim became interested in addiction treatment counseling, and her MSW practicum enabled her to put her theoretical knowledge into practice.
As the region’s leading provider of substance abuse treatment since 1963, Crouse proved to be an ideal environment for experiential learning. Kim had the opportunity to observe and facilitate various therapy groups, mainly within an intensive day program. She also carried her own small caseload of individual clients.
Right after receiving her MSW degree, Kim was awarded a yearlong fellowship in addiction counseling through MedBest Medical Management. She took on an expanded caseload and gained additional insight into how one-on-one therapy works in concert with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
Follow Your Heart
Now, Kim is back at Crouse, serving as a full-time addiction treatment therapist.
“It’s a wonderful organization to work for,” she said. “They promote employee growth and they’re very supportive.”
As she continues in this position, Kim is on track to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) – the statewide gold standard for addiction treatment professionals.
To anyone considering a career realignment – whether you’re a few years into adulthood or a few decades – Kim has advice: “Go for it. Follow your heart. It’s never too late to go back to school, and it will open so many doors for you.”
BE THE DIFFERENCE THAT MATTERS
Social workers are everyday heroes. Gain the skills and confidence to improve lives, advocate for change, and advance in your career with an online BSW or MSW from Keuka College.
⚠ If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Text or call 988 (or click here) for free 24/7 support in English or en español.
