Meridian Health Services 2021 Speaker Series
Lafayette – featuring Ryan Leaf
Ryan Leaf—The Struggle with Addiction and Mental Illness
“Because of my story, I get the opportunity…to become a part of a community that’s trying to be a difference-maker.” – Ryan Leaf
Former NFL player Ryan Leaf shared his poignant and brutally honest personal story to a full-capacity audience at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lafayette on Wednesday, October 20 as part of Meridian’s Community Health Speaker Series. Leaf, selected as the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft after Peyton Manning, had a career full of expectations he didn’t live up to. That failure, coupled with his inability to live life on life’s terms, led to drug addiction and landed him in a prison cell—both physically and emotionally.
Leaf has since become a symbol of peace and inspiration for those who struggle with substance use and mental illness.
Following Leaf’s presentation, a discussion panel comprised of community leaders and officials followed and engaged the audience discussing issues related to substance use, recovery, and ideas for local solutions.
A complimentary lunch was provided by Meridian Health Services.
COVID protocols, precautions, and social distancing were implemented as determined by state and local mandates.
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance use or addiction, Meridian can help turn things around and provide a fresh start. Call 866-306-2647 to begin the journey to a new way of living.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors:
North Central Health Services and River Bend Hospital
Event Sponsor:
Thank you to our Moderator and Panelists for participating in this event:
Moderator
| Michael Budd | United Way of Greater Lafayette and Tippecanoe County |
Panelists
| Sean Persin | Tippecanoe County Circuit Court Judge |
| Chris Campbell | District 26 State Representative |
| Troy Harris | West Lafayette Chief of Police |
| Jim Stone | Previous Meridian Home with Hope Board Member and Recovering Person |
| Cheri Pruitt | Tippecanoe Adult Probation Officer |
| Allison Miner | Meridian Health Services Home With Hope |
Event Videos
