- Blair Gaston
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Welcome to the latest edition of Recovery & YOU!—your go-to source for updates, advocacy efforts, upcoming events, and community highlights.
From the Steps of Olympia... to Statewide Impact
Back in February, many of you joined us in Olympia to advocate for recovery across Washington State.
You met with lawmakers and legislative assistants. You told your stories — and you made it clear that recovery matters in every community.
We needed you again in March. We called on you all and you showed up — in person, in inboxes, on Zoom calls — with one message:
Recovery matters in every community. And it deserves to be funded, supported, and celebrated.
Today, we’re writing to say: Your voice made a difference.
What We Won — Together:
Recovery Navigator Program (RNP): Saved!Earlier this session, RNP was at risk of being cut entirely. Thanks to your advocacy, the final budget restores 80% of its previous funding — $19.6 million each year in FY 2026 and 2027. This means continued support for people navigating substance use recovery in counties across Washington. This is a huge win.
Recovery Housing: We’ve never seen a number like this in state history:
$10.2 million for competitive grants to expand recovery residences statewide
$3.8 million directly for new recovery residences at the Benton Franklin Recovery CenterThese funds will help ensure more people have access to safe, stable, and recovery-centered housing.
Key Bills Passed into Law
HB 1427 – Expands access to Certified Peer Support Specialists
HB 1432 – Strengthens mental health and substance use disorder care protections
SB 5219 – Expands reentry and community parenting alternatives
We still have work to do.
But today, we celebrate the power of what we can accomplish when we raise our voices together. Whether you traveled to Olympia or took action from your phone, you were part of this movement. And it worked.
Thank you for your courage, your persistence, and your belief in a recovery-ready Washington.
⚾ Celebrate Recovery Day at the Mariners ⚾
Join the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) and King County Recovery Coalition (KCRC) for a powerful day of community, connection, and celebration at our annual Recovery Day at the Mariners on Sunday, September 14, 2025!
Start your morning at Occidental Square with free services including haircuts, medical and dental care, veterinary support, transportation resources, and behavioral health services. Enjoy wellness activities, face painting, sign-making, giveaways, and an inspiring Recovery Rally at 10:30 AM! After our group photo and march to T-Mobile Park, join us for a special pre-game Resource Fair in sections 306–310 — and don't forget to pick up your exclusive Mariners-themed Recovery Day T-shirt (included with ticket purchase). The day will culminate in a special First Pitch before the Mariners take on the Los Angeles Angels at 1:10 PM.
🎟️ Tickets are available now at mariners.com/recovery.We can't wait to see you there as we come together to celebrate recovery and community on the biggest stage yet!
Overdose Prevention & Response Training Series
The Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) is hosting a free training series for our behavioral health recovery community. Learn how to identify and respond to an overdose, discuss local overdose trends, harm reduction + recovery resources, and receive free naloxone.
Mon, May 5 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Renton Library
For questions, contact Tristan at tristan@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.
Join Us for Elevate Recovery Advocacy Training – June 17
Elevate is more than a training—it’s the foundation of a statewide recovery movement. 🌟 The Washington Recovery Alliance and King County Recovery Coalition are teaming up to host a free, virtual Elevate Recovery Advocacy training on Tuesday, June 17, from 5:00–7:30 PM.
Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help you confidently share your recovery story with lawmakers, engage in the legislative process, and use media as a tool for change. The training is interactive, so come ready to participate and connect with community!
Reserve your spot now: tinyurl.com/elevatejune2025
Questions? Reach out to Tristan at tristan@washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.
Office of Community Health System Facilities Program
Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) Legislation Implementation RE: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Facility Transfer and Discharge Policies
SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6228 passed in the 2024 legislative session and required the department to work with interested parties to adopt a model policy for licensed or certified behavioral health agencies providing voluntary inpatient or residential substance use disorder treatment services or withdrawal management services related to the transfer or discharge of a person without the person's consent.
Through a series of workshops held this fall, a model policy template has been created and adopted by the department. This is a model only and facilities are encouraged to create their own policy.
You can access the document here: ModelPolicySUDAdopted.pdf
Additionally, the legislation required the department to adopt rules related to reporting transfer or discharge of individuals before treatment completion. The CR 102 has been filed, and a public hearing for this rulemaking has been scheduled:
05/06/202510:00 a.m.
This hearing will be held virtually only.
Register in advance for thiswebinar:registration linkAfter registering, you will receivea confirmation email containinginformation about joining thewebinar.
The CR 102 may be found here:
🎬 You're Invited: Recovery City – Film Screening
Join the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition and King County Recovery Coalition for an inspiring afternoon at Recovery City, an award-winning documentary that follows four courageous women on their journey through addiction, stigma, and recovery.
This free event will take place on Saturday, May 31 from 2:00–5:00 PM at the Black Box Theater at Edmonds College. After the screening, stick around for a powerful panel discussion with the filmmaker, cast members, and local leaders, plus community tabling, free refreshments, and a raffle giveaway!
Register now to save your seat and be entered to win tickets to Spring in Recovery and Recovery Day at the Mariners.👉 Register Here
Friday, June 13th, SCRC is hosting their annual Spring Into Recovery Event!
Spring Into Recovery is almost here!Join us Friday, June 13th from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM for SCRC’s Annual Spring Into Recovery Event — an uplifting day of connection, community, and celebration!
They already have 90+ amazing organizations tabling — and there’s still time to grab a spot before the deadline!
Reserve your table now.
This event is made possible because of YOU. It takes a village, and we're so grateful to be in this together. Let’s make this year’s event unforgettable! 💜
Recovery Podcasts
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.
Listen Now
In the latest episode of King County Recovery Conversations, host Christopher Archiopoli sits down with Ro Yoon — a Korean American trans woman, HIV activist, and community leader.
Ro shares her journey from overcoming heroin addiction in London to advocating for marginalized communities in Seattle, offering powerful insights on recovery, resilience, and activism.
Tune in as Ro challenges us all to break the silence, build empathy, and uplift the voices of those most impacted.
🎧 Listen Now:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
WRA Out in the World
YOU can stay connected!
Stay engaged, see what we’re up to, and join the recovery movement.