What's Happening?
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, in collaboration with Recovery Partners of Vermont, is organizing the Vermont Recovery Day event on February 11, 2026, at the Supreme Court auditorium in Montpelier. The event aims to emphasize
the importance of building recovery systems centered around individuals rather than isolated sectors. Keynote speaker Patty McCarthy, CEO of Faces & Voices of Recovery, will address the audience, sharing her expertise in advocating for recovery-oriented systems and federal policy changes. Several individuals will be honored for their contributions to recovery efforts, including Kimberly Blake and Nels Kloster, who will receive lifetime achievement awards for their work in harm reduction and expanding access to treatment, respectively. The event is open to the public and will provide American Sign Language interpretation to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Why It's Important?
The Vermont Recovery Day event is significant as it brings attention to the ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care for individuals affected by substance use and mental health challenges. By recognizing leaders in the field and promoting recovery-friendly workplace cultures, the event aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for those in recovery. The involvement of policymakers and advocates highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to address addiction and mental health issues at both the community and state levels. This event serves as a platform to discuss and implement strategies that can lead to more effective recovery systems, ultimately benefiting individuals and families across Vermont.
What's Next?
Following the Vermont Recovery Day event, it is anticipated that the discussions and recognitions will inspire further action and collaboration among stakeholders in the recovery community. Policymakers may consider the insights shared during the event to inform future legislation and initiatives aimed at improving access to treatment and reducing stigma. Additionally, the recognition of individuals and organizations for their contributions may encourage others to adopt similar practices, leading to a broader cultural shift towards recovery-friendly environments. Continued advocacy and public engagement will be crucial in sustaining momentum and achieving long-term improvements in recovery support systems.
