Advocacy in Action: Taking the Fight for Recovery to the Capitol

This special check-in episode of the Real Recovery Podcast takes you inside Advocacy Day 2024 at the Oregon State Capitol. Peter, Julie, and Colette share their firsthand experiences, powerful conversations, and reflections on what it means to stand together in the fight for addiction recovery services.
With over 200 advocates in attendance, the event was a powerful demonstration of the recovery community’s commitment to ensuring that Oregon prioritizes treatment, housing, and prevention efforts. Participants met with legislators, urging them to support key bills that will help expand access to care for those struggling with addiction.
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"If we are going to be number one in addiction, we have to be number one in recovery too." – Colette

Why Advocacy Day Matter

Oregon is currently ranked worst in the nation for addiction rates and last in treatment access. Advocacy Day was an opportunity to make our voices heard, demanding that lawmakers take real steps toward funding, access, and legislative support for recovery services.
​"We were there to make a statement that recovery matters, that people’s lives are on the line, and that Oregon must invest in solutions that actually work." – Julie
The energy of the event was powerful, as individuals in recovery, treatment professionals, and allies gathered to tell their stories, connect with legislators, and push for change. Governor Tina Kotek’s appearance, alongside the First Lady, underscored the urgency of the moment and highlighted the need for strong leadership in addiction recovery policy.
​"Hearing real stories from people who have fought their way into recovery is what makes this so impactful. Legislators can’t ignore us when we show up, stand together, and speak with conviction." – Peter
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​The Bills That Could Change Everything

Advocates urged legislators to support specific bills that will directly impact addiction treatment, housing, and prevention efforts in Oregon. These bills represent the best chance for real, structural change in how the state handles addiction and recovery services.
Key Bills Advocated For:
  • HB 2270 – Directs the Oregon Health Authority to increase reimbursement rates for addiction medicine services by 30 percent, ensuring providers can offer sustainable, high-quality care.
  • HB 3146 – Establishes a low-barrier emergency housing pilot program for people waiting to access treatment or withdrawal management programs, addressing the critical issue of houselessness in recovery.
  • HB 3321 – Strengthens Oregon’s primary prevention strategy, tasking the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) with developing programs to prevent addiction before it starts.
  • ADPC Bills (HB 3375, HB 5025, HB 2502, HB 2506) – These bills support the restructuring of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, ensuring that state resources are better coordinated, studied, and delivered to support people with substance use disorders.
  • Governor’s Budget – Includes $90 million for behavioral health facilities and $24 million in workforce incentives to address the severe staffing shortages in treatment and recovery services.
These legislative efforts represent tangible steps toward a better, more effective recovery system in Oregon, but they will not pass without public support.
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​How You Can Take Action

The fight for investment in addiction recovery services is not over. Legislators need to hear from you to understand that these bills are essential to saving lives.
Email Your Legislators TodayUse this link to contact your representatives and urge them to support funding for recovery services:
Email Your Legislator - "Finish What We Started" Campaign

Support Recovery Organizations

Support Recovery Organizations
These incredible organizations are leading the charge in advocacy, treatment, and support services across Oregon. Get involved, donate, or reach out to show your support.
This Advocacy Day check-in is about more than just a conversation – it is a call to action. Let your legislators know that recovery must be funded, prioritized, and supported. Together, we can create a future where treatment is accessible, recovery is possible, and no one is left behind.
#RecoveryAdvocacy #AddictionRecovery #OregonRecovers #4DRecovery #PathfinderNetwork #ForaHealth #TrueColorsRecovery #RealRecoveryPodcast @OregonRecovers @4DRecovery @TrueColorsRecovery

Show Notes:

Title: RRP Episode 54.1: Uniting for Recovery – Reflections from Advocacy Day
Presenters: Julie, Peter, and Colette
Release Date: 3/19
Length: 52 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode SummaryIn this special check-in episode, Julie, Peter, and Colette share their powerful experiences from Advocacy Day in Salem, Oregon. They reflect on what it means to stand up for recovery, the importance of engaging with legislators, and the personal impact of advocating for lasting change. From meeting policymakers to hearing firsthand how addiction recovery services are being shaped, this episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of making recovery a priority in Oregon.
They also discuss the reality of treatment access, the crucial role of community support, and the organizations working tirelessly to bridge the gap between addiction and recovery. If you have ever wondered how you can support recovery efforts or get involved in policy advocacy, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Covered
  • The significance of Advocacy Day and its impact on recovery efforts in Oregon
  • Personal reflections on the experience and why political engagement matters in the recovery community
  • The barriers still facing addiction treatment and housing resources
  • Insights from legislators and recovery advocates at the event
  • How listeners can take action by contacting their representatives and supporting advocacy organizations
Organizations & Resources Mentioned Show Your Support to Recovery Advocates in OregonReach out to these organizations and let them know you support their work Quote from the Episode"If we are going to be number one in addiction, we have to be number one in recovery too." – Colette
Call to ActionHelp advocate for stronger recovery resources in Oregon. Email your legislators and urge them to invest in addiction recovery services: https://safeguardrecovery.good.do/oregonrecoversfinishwhatyoustarted/finishit/
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Hashtags & Mentions#RecoveryAdvocacy #AddictionRecovery #OregonRecovers #4DRecovery #PathfinderNetwork #ForaHealth #TrueColorsRecovery #RealRecoveryPodcast @OregonRecovers @4DRecovery @TrueColorsRecovery