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elevyst.bsky.social
Elevyst
@elevyst.bsky.social
11 followers 21 following 48 posts
Elevate community health + be a catalyst for change

elevyst.com
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elevyst.bsky.social
Did you miss our September newsletter in your inbox yesterday?

Head to the link in bio to read!

To get our next newsletter, sign up for our email list: elevyst.com
Elevyst September Newsletter announcement with an orange envelope icon and search bar. Transcribed Text: ELEVYST September Newsletter OUT NOW! Read at the link in bio ELEVYST.COM ELEVYST
September 4, 2025 at 3:28 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
September is National Recovery Month and we are celebrating everyone who has found their version of recovery!

#RecoveryMonth2025 #RecoveryJourney #RecoveryHappens
Poster for National Recovery Month featuring a hand holding a megaphone with text highlighting recovery awareness. Transcribed Text: NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH ELEVYST RECOVERY IS REAL RESTORING EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE
September 2, 2025 at 5:31 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
We are now booking learning experiences and organizational coaching opportunities for Fall 2025 and into 2026!

elevyst.com/contact
An illustration of people discussing indoors with a flip chart, lights, and text about Elevyst's services in substance use coaching. Transcribed Text: ELEVYST OFFERS LEARNING EXPERIENCES + ORGANIZATIONAL COACHING IN SUBSTANCE USE SPACES Customized offerings include: Understanding the current overdose crisis response Understanding harm reduction Understanding substance use stigma Understanding ways to unpack + challenge stigma Understanding person and community-centered solutions Using novel, data-driven strategies to design and implement interventions Creating collaboration to develop + put solutions into practice Creating hope for the future ELEVYST.COM
August 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
In our most recent report, we looked at Pennsylvanian criminal justice workforce respondents’ beliefs around mental health and substance use care. There is overwhelming support for expanded access to mental health services.

Read the report here: elevyst.com/pccd
Image showing survey results about the need for expanded mental health services for the CJS workforce. Transcribed Text: The majority of CJS workforce respondents see a need for expanded access to mental health services. When asked a series of questions to gauge understanding of issues surrounding substance use, 71% of CJS workforce respondents said they agree that substance issues occur more frequently with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Respondents were also asked about what services they believe could prevent people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol from becoming involved in the system. Overwhelmingly, the most popular response was "more access to mental health treatment providers or services" (71%). 73% said society would become safer through programs designed to help incarcerated people who struggle with drugs, alcohol, and/or mental health issues. Bar chart showing strategies to prevent involvement in the criminal justice system for those with drug/alcohol issues. Transcribed Text: "Which, if any, of the following could meaningfully help prevent those who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol from becoming involved in the criminal justice system?" (Multi-Select) More access to mental health treatment providers or services - 71% Mandated treatment - 51% More access to appropriate medication - 42% More access to supportive housing - 37% Better access to insurance - 36% Less stigma around drug and/or alcohol use - 34% More access to employment - 33% More educational opportunities - 32% Restrictions on the content of social media that minors can view - 14% None of the above - 9%
June 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
Did you miss signing up for our June newsletter? We got you.

Read our latest news here: elevyst.com/campaigns/vi...

And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter when you visit elevyst.com
Colorful newsletter announcement with overlapping envelopes and Elevyst branding. Transcribed Text: The Pulse June Newsletter from Elevyst OUT NOW • LINK IN BIO SIGN UP AT ELEVYST.COM ELEVYST
June 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
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Out now!

Sean Fogler and Mattea Kramer from our team spoke with Burt Cohen of Keeping Democracy Alive about the state of mental health in the U.S., and where there is hope and opportunity for positive change.

Listen here or on Apple or Spotify: keepingdemocracyalive.com
Promotional image for the podcast "Keeping Democracy Alive," featuring a new episode on mental health and national security. Transcribed Text: NEW EPISODE keeping democracy alive with burt cohen Mental Health Essential for National Security with Keeping Democracy Alive FEAT. SEAN FOGLER AND MATTEA KRAMER Listen now Link in bio or on Apple + Spotify
May 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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Visit our link in bio or elevyst.com/pccd to read more.
Poster with text highlighting the importance of mental health and substance use care, featuring a floral brain illustration. Transcribed Text: Pennsylvanians agree. Mental health care is important. Substance use care is important. READ OUR FULL REPORT elevyst.com/pccd or link in bio
May 1, 2025 at 9:15 PM
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re looking at the intersection of mental health and substance use, and how we can tear away the stigma from both.
Illustration of a brain surrounded by colorful flowers with the text “mental health and substance use” around it. Transcribed Text: mental health and substance use RESPONSE IN PA Survey image showing 83% of Pennsylvanians prioritize addressing social issues over increasing policing. Transcribed Text: An overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians (83%) believe that addressing social problems should be a bigger priority than strengthening social order through more policing and law enforcement. "Which do you think should be the bigger priority in Pennsylvania today?" 83% Addressing social problems such as homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorder 17% Strengthening social order through more policing and greater enforcement of the laws Image with a message about criminal justice workforce opinions on safety and rehabilitation programs, with "ELEVYST" logo. Transcribed Text: That's not all. 73% of criminal justice workforce respondents said society would become safer through programs designed to help incarcerated people who struggle with drugs, alcohol, and/or mental health issues. The image features a bar graph on a white and orange gradient background. The title at the top in large blue text states a survey's focus on services that could prevent drug and alcohol users from becoming involved with the justice system. The most popular response highlighted in bold orange text was "more access to mental health treatment providers or services" at 71%. Below, a bar graph displays responses: "Mandated treatment" (51%) in light green, "More access to appropriate medication" (42%) in orange, "More access to supportive housing" (37%) in pink, "Better access to insurance" (36%) in light blue, "Less stigma around drug and/or alcohol use" (34%) in orange, "More access to employment" (33%) in green, "More educational opportunities" (32%) in light blue, "Restrictions on social media content" (14%) in orange, and "None of the above" (9%) in grey. The Elevyst logo is at the bottom right.
May 1, 2025 at 9:15 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
We need to start unpacking this fear and distancing so people who use drugs do not feel they need to hide.

Read the full report and connect with us here: elevyst.com/pccd

Let's make change.
The image is a digital poster with a gradient background transitioning from light green to deep blue. Encased in a bordered square, the top half displays large yellow text that reads “SUBSTANCE USE, STIGMA, AND PENNSYLVANIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM:”. Below, in smaller white text, it continues with “A LOOK FORWARD”, and in yellow, "FEBRUARY 2025." Beneath the text is an image of a domed building with a detailed architectural structure against a clear sky. The bottom of this section features a small logo with the word "ELEVYST." There is additional text outside the bordered square that reads: “Let’s make a change. Read more at elevyst.com/pccd or head to the link in bio.” At the bottom right corner, the ELEVYST logo appears again next to the website address.
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
CJS workforce respondents were less likely than the general population to report feeling afraid of people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol with 82% reporting no fear or minimal fear, as compared to 68% of the statewide population.
Survey results on CJS workforce perceptions about people struggling with drugs and alcohol, with highlighted percentages and a company logo. Transcribed Text: CJS workforce respondents were less likely than the general population to report feeling afraid of people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol with 82% reporting no fear or minimal fear, as compared to 68% of the statewide population. At the same time, over half (53%) of the surveyed CJS workforce reported strongly or somewhat believing it is better to keep a distance from people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol. This was nearly identical to the statewide population (54%). The image features two bar charts comparing responses from two groups—Statewide and CJS Workforce—on perceptions of individuals who struggle with drugs and alcohol. Both charts are framed in green and display data horizontally. The first chart asks: "How much do you fear a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol?" It shows four horizontally aligned bars for each group. For "Statewide": 40% do not fear, 28% minimally fear, 23% somewhat fear, and 9% greatly fear. For "CJS Workforce": 39% do not fear, 43% minimally fear, 17% somewhat fear, and 1% greatly fear. The second chart asks: "To what extent do you believe it is better to keep your distance (personal/home/professional/work) from people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol?" It shows five response categories for each group. For "Statewide": 12% strongly disbelieve, 19% somewhat disbelieve, 15% have no opinion, 34% somewhat believe, and 20% strongly believe. For "CJS Workforce": 19% strongly disbelieve, 17% somewhat disbelieve, 11% have no opinion, 36% somewhat believe, and 17% strongly believe. The image is composed of a bar chart and a text box below it. The bar chart is titled, “Do you think a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol will try to hide signs of their use?” It compares responses between "Statewide" and "CJS Workforce" groups. The bars are differentiated by color for the responses: "Never" in light blue, "Rarely" in a slightly darker blue, "Some of the time" in medium blue, "Most of the time" in dark blue, and "Always" in navy blue. The "Statewide" section shows percentages of 8% for "Never," 6% for "Rarely," 24% for "Some of the time," 38% for "Most of the time," and 24% for "Always." The "CJS Workforce" section shows less than 1% for "Never," 2% for "Rarely," 18% for "Some of the time," 63% for "Most of the time," and 17% for "Always." Below the chart, the text box on a green background states, "Nearly all (98%) of CJS workforce respondents said they believe that individuals who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol will attempt to hide signs of their use (whether some of the time, most of the time, or always)."
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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86% of Pennsylvanians expect people who are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol to hide signs of their use (some of the time, most of the time, or always.)
Image showing survey results about perceptions of drug and alcohol use concealment in Pennsylvania, with 86% believing concealment occurs. Transcribed Text: 86% of Pennsylvanians expect people who are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol to hide signs of their use (some of the time, most of the time, or always) "Do you think a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol will try to hide signs of their use?" Statewide % Never 6 % Rarely 6 % Some of the time 24 % Most of the time 38 % Always 24 %
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
Respondents were asked both about their personal experience with substances and the extent of their contact with others who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol.

Regardless of their type of contact with SUD, a majority believe that it is better to keep their distance from such people.
Text about personal experience with substances on a gradient background. Transcribed Text: Respondents were asked both about their personal experience with substances and the extent of their contact with others who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol – for instance, if they have a close friend or family member who is struggling, or if they live in a place where SUD is common. Bar chart showing opinions on keeping distance from those with substance issues, with varying responses by substance use history. Transcribed Text: “To what extent do you believe it is better to keep your distance (personal/home/professional/work) from people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol?” Respondent’s Personal Substance Use: Uses legal substances only Uses illegal substances Struggles with substances, not in recovery In recovery from substance use Does not use any substances “Observed group difference is statistically significant: χ2(N=3,194, df=4) p < .001.” “Regardless of their type of contact with SUD, a majority believe that it is better to keep their distance from such people.” Survey results on beliefs about keeping distance from those struggling with substances and bar chart displaying levels of belief by social contact category. Transcribed Text: Those who reported having no contact with people who struggle with substances were the most likely (56%) to believe it is better to keep their distance from people who are struggling. “To what extent do you believe it is better to keep your distance (personal/home/professional/work) from people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol?” % Strongly disbelieve % Somewhat disbelieve % No opinion % Somewhat believe % Strongly believe Social Contact With SUD Has friends/family with SUD Regularly works with people who have SUD Lives in a place where SUD is common Does not know anyone with SUD Observed group difference is statistically significant; Chi^2 > 16.84; p < .001.
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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Nearly a third (32%) of Pennsylvanians said they somewhat or greatly fear a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol, and more than half of respondents (54%) believe it is better to keep their distance from someone who struggles in this way.
Text about Pennsylvanians' attitudes toward people struggling with substance issues on a gradient background. Transcribed Text: Nearly a third (32%) of Pennsylvanians said they somewhat or greatly fear a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol, and more than half of respondents (54%) believe it is better to keep their distance from someone who struggles in this way. © ELEVYST WWW.ELEVYST.COM Two bar charts about attitudes towards people who struggle with drugs, and a text note about Pennsylvanians. The top bar chart is titled, "How much do you fear a person who struggles with drugs and/or alcohol?" It features four horizontal bars in varying shades of blue indicating different levels of fear: light blue for "Do not fear" at 40%, a slightly darker blue for "Minimally fear" at 28%, a deeper blue for "Somewhat fear" at 23%, and dark blue for "Greatly fear" at 9%. The middle section contains a text block on a light green background stating that Pennsylvanians without contact with people who struggle with drugs are more likely to believe that maintaining distance is better. The bottom bar chart, titled "To what extent do you believe it is better to keep your distance (personal/home/professional/work) from people who struggle with drugs and/or alcohol?" displays opinions in shades of orange, gray, and blue: light orange for "Strongly disbelieve" at 12%, orange for "Somewhat disbelieve" at 19%, gray for "No opinion" at 15%, light blue for "Somewhat believe" at 34%, and dark blue for "Strongly believe" at 20%.
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
In our most recent report, we examined the beliefs of the general population and those in the criminal justice system workforce in Pennsylvania on fear and distance toward people who use substances, and whether or not they believe someone who uses drugs or alcohol will hide their use.
Text on substance use and social distance with the Elevyst logo and website. Transcribed Text: Substance Use Social Distance & Hiding HIGHLIGHTS FROM SUBSTANCE USE, STIGMA, AND PENNSYLVANIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: A LOOK FORWARD ELEVYST WWW.ELEVYST.COM
April 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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Read more at elevyst.com/pccd
Promotional graphic showing a building dome with text about substance use and Pennsylvania's criminal justice system. Transcribed Text: SUBSTANCE USE, STIGMA, AND PENNSYLVANIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: A LOOK FORWARD FEBRUARY 2025 Read more at elevyst.com/pccd or head to the link in bio.
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
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An excerpt from a qualitative interview:
A quote on a light blue background highlighting the absence of a support system and feelings of despair, attributed to Shannon, aged 53. Transcribed Text: "There wasn’t a system in place. No case manager that you could meet with, nobody, no social worker that you could sit with who could say, ‘All right, we’re going to send you to this outpatient program, or we’re going to send you to this inpatient program for this amount of days.’ And there is just no treatment. Whenever I got arrested, I just remember crying in the back of the . . . police car, just feeling like the lowest of the low. . . . I allowed every arrest to just hold me down. . . I allowed each one to make me feel [like] less than a person. . . It was just quicksand. . . I’m being buried. . . The block is being put on top of me.
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
Policy recommendations? Everyone deserves more holistic care.
Text "SELECT POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS" with a blue circle on a light gray background. Blue background with white text about reentry services standards and Elevyst logo. Transcribed Text: FOR THOSE IN CONTACT WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM DEVELOP A SET OF STANDARDS FOR REENTRY SERVICES for individuals exiting incarceration or supervision, including case management, continuation of MOUDs, connection to housing resources, and access to healthcare services. Provide technical assistance for case management and related technology to improve process mapping and system coordination with the goal of ensuring that CJS-involved individuals receive proper case management. FOR THOSE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE WORKFORCE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT NEW WELLNESS TRAINING, with a focus on mental health and substance use challenges, and improve support for officers due to higher rates of trauma, compassion fatigue, and alcohol use than are found in the general population.
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
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Alcohol use is much more common among those working in the criminal justice system.
Text stating alcohol use is more common in the Criminal Justice System workforce than among the general population of Pennsylvania. Transcribed Text: ALCOHOL USE IS MORE COMMON AMONG MEMBERS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WORKFORCE AS COMPARED TO PENNSYLVANIANS IN GENERAL. While the CJS workforce was far less likely to disclose drug use, respondents were nearly two and a half times more likely to report alcohol use than the statewide sample, with 71% saying they consume alcohol, as compared to 27% of Pennsylvanians overall. Bar chart depicting substance use among criminal justice workforce respondents with percentages. Transcribed Text: CRIMINAL JUSTICE WORKFORCE RESPONDENTS’ PERSONAL SUBSTANCE USE Does not use substances 41% Uses cigarettes and/or nicotine vapes 27% Drinks alcoholic beverages 27% Uses medically prescribed marijuana 14% Uses drugs (e.g., cannabis, cocaine) 10% Struggles with drugs/alcohol 4% Misuses medically prescribed medications 3% Is in recovery 6%
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
We'll be highlighting data from our most recent report in the coming weeks.

First up, substance use is common.
Dark blue text on a light gray background with "SUBSTANCE USE ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA" and "ELEVYST" logos. Blue background with white text discussing substance use statistics in Pennsylvania. Includes "ELEVYST" logo and website. Transcribed Text: IT'S COMMON Among the general population, ten percent of respondents across Pennsylvania said they currently use illicit substances such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, or other drugs, while 6% said they are in recovery from alcohol and/or drug use, and 4% said they currently struggle with drugs and/or alcohol. Three percent said they misuse prescription drugs. Additionally, 27% of respondents said they currently drink alcohol; 27% said they use cigarettes and/or nicotine vapes; and 14% said they use medically prescribed cannabis. Infographic showing a bar chart of Pennsylvanian respondents’ substance use categories. Transcribed Text: PENNSYLVANIAN RESPONDENTS’ PERSONAL SUBSTANCE USE Does not use substances 41% Uses cigarettes and/or nicotine vapes 27% Drinks alcoholic beverages 27% Uses medically prescribed marijuana 14% Uses drugs (e.g., cannabis, cocaine) 10% Struggles with drugs/alcohol 4% Misuses medically prescribed medications 3% Is in recovery 6%
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
We are excited to share our latest report, Substance Use, Stigma, and Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice System: A Look Forward.

Read more + interact with the data dashboard here: elevyst.com/pccd
Text reads, "Elevyst Releases New Research: Substance Use, Stigma, and Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice System: A Look Forward." On a beige rectangle on a green background Text on green background reads, During the summer of 2024, Elevyst set out to understand Pennsylvanians’ experiences with substance use issues, the presence of stigma throughout the state and within the Pennsylvania criminal justice system, and the kinds of interventions and services that could truly assist those who are struggling with drug and/or alcohol use. NEXT ELEVYST Text on green background reads, We are excited to share the extensive results of our efforts in this report. Our aim with this report is to not only share the data we've collected but make our recommendations for changes to public policies to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians. NEXT ELEVYST Promotional image with the Pennsylvania Capitol dome and text about "Substance Use, Stigma, and Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice System: A Look Forward, February 2025." Transcribed Text: SUBSTANCE USE, STIGMA, AND PENNSYLVANIA'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: A LOOK FORWARD FEBRUARY 2025 ELEVYST Read more at elevyst.com/pccd or head to the link in bio. ELEVYST
February 20, 2025 at 3:35 PM
elevyst.bsky.social
Hello! We have officially made it to Bluesky!

We're Elevyst and we're a comprehensive consulting group passionate about helping organizations advance their community & public health initiatives.

Link in bio for more information.

We look forward to connect with all of you!
Orange circle with overlapping white circles and the word 'ELEVYST' on a beige background with blue and green semicircular lines. Mustard yellow background with a cream circle and concentric blue lines; black text on the left. Transcribed Text: WHO WE ARE Elevyst is a comprehensive consulting group passionate about helping organizations advance their community & public health initiatives. Orange circle with green curved lines next to text detailing public health services on a beige background. Transcribed Text: WHAT WE DO We offer a broad range of services and expertise to clients within the field of harm reduction, public health, policy & advocacy, and healthcare, including: • Instructional design + education • Data-drive actionable research • Technical assistance Minimalist graphic with a yellow circle, green curved lines, and text "LET’S WORK TOGETHER!" with contact info on an orange background. Transcribed Text: LET’S WORK TOGETHER! elevyst.com hello@elevyst.com
January 14, 2025 at 6:42 PM