TEEN TOWATCHKIM HAIRSTONMakenzie GreenwoodFounder, Hampstead’s LittleFree PantryLLOYD FOXSarah KattakuzhyAssociate director, Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine; co-director, ResearchInitiative on Infectious Diseases and Substance Use. Both roles are based at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.Sarah Kattakuzhy, 41, has had many mentors throughout her career, from her former boss at theNational Institutes of Health to her current colleagues at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. But she said her biggest sources of inspiration are her patients, who are being treated for substanceuse disorder.She’s in awe of the obstacles they’ve overcome and the constant work they do for their recovery. “Anygood idea I’ve ever had has come from a patient,” she said.This year, she’s proud to have helped drive the launch of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine,which aims to use cutting-edge research and clinical care to combat addiction to opioids, alcohol andother substances. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to participate in an effort that feels like it’s meetingthe gravity of the country’s addiction crisis,” Kattakuzhy said.“Change is really hard, and we have to change the way that we approach addiction,” she added. “Wehave to keep beating that drum, provider by provider, helping people reduce their stigmatization, but wealso need to make big moves, because this is such a huge challenge. It’s a literal life-or-death situation.”Makenzie Greenwood was only9 when she founded Hampstead’sLittle Free Pantry — a donation-basedpantry that’s open 24/7 in the annexof St. John’s United MethodistChurch at 1205 N. Main St., so thosein need can access food at any time.“I just had a genuine want to helpthe community,” said Greenwood,now 16 and a junior at ManchesterValley High School.The pantry has been accessedapproximately 8,000 times sincethen, and Greenwood has donatedover 89,000 pounds of food throughmonthly giveaways in partnership with the Westminster RescueMission. She said she hopes to be amodel for other young people, showing them “how easy it is to spreadkindness and love.”— Abigail Gruskin— Angela RobertsWOMEN TO WATCH | 2023 | 29
It seems that your browser's pop-up blocker has prevented us from opening a new window/tab. Please click the button below to open the link manually.