Description

In this powerful episode of King County Recovery Conversations, host Heather Venegas welcomes Michele Gerber, a mother turned recovery advocate and author. 

Transformed by the tragic loss of her son to substance use disorder, Michelle shares how she has embraced her grief through gratitude and how she seeks to help others through their recovery journeys. As the founder and president of the Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition in Richland, WA, she is a fierce supporter of finding community in recovery, treatment options for all without stigma, and policies to support and facilitate healing.

Michele is the author of "Witness to Addiction," a call to action to fight America's opioid epidemic. In the practical guide, she offers real, hands-on answers about what can be done about it, what works and what does not, and how Americans can regain a sense of control over the addiction epidemic. 

Resources from the episode: 

1. Connect with Michele Gerber on LinkedIn. 
2. Read more about Michele's book, "Witness to Addiction," and order a copy here. 
3. Learn more about Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. 
4. Connect with show host Heather Venegas on LinkedIn. 
5. Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website.
6. The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state. 
7. If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline.

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you. 

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org.