RI Cares Recovery Day: 2-12-2026 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a welcome to attendees of the second annual Recovery Day at the Capitol, highlighting the importance of community advocacy for recovery. The speaker expressed gratitude for the turnout despite the cold weather and emphasized the need for collaboration across treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and advocacy to create a comprehensive recovery system. Mike O'Neill, Director of Peer Services at the Providence Center, shared his recovery journey and stressed the importance of immediate access to treatment, housing, and employment opportunities. He called for investment in recovery programs, arguing that they save lives and strengthen communities. Senator Jonathan Acosta acknowledged the advocacy efforts that have changed the narrative around recovery, reflecting on past punitive approaches to substance use. He emphasized the courage required for recovery and the shared humanity among individuals in recovery and their supporters. Representative June Speakman shared her personal connection to substance use disorder in her family and reaffirmed policymakers' commitment to supporting effective, data-backed programs. She recounted bipartisan support for harm reduction initiatives in the legislature, highlighting community and legislative collaboration. Roxanne Newman, a long-term recovery advocate, shared her story of overcoming addiction and called for legislative reforms, specifically House Bill 7204, to allow individuals with non-violent felony convictions to petition for expungement. She emphasized the need for opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives, particularly for women facing unique barriers. The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy and legislative action to ensure accessible recovery services. Speakers discussed the challenges faced by individuals with felony records, emphasizing the need for expungement reform and funding for gender-responsive services and stable housing. They highlighted the importance of listening to those with lived experiences in recovery. T. Dorsey reflected on his experiences in the recovery community and the influence of Jim Gillen, stressing the need for community support and collaboration among organizations. Kyra Heron, a certified peer support specialist, shared her journey and the importance of fair compensation for peer recovery specialists, as well as community support in breaking generational trauma. Kathy Schultz, director of the Governor's Overdose Task Force, highlighted the success in reducing fatal overdoses in Rhode Island, attributing it to community efforts. She emphasized the need for unity in recovery and acknowledged the ongoing work required to support individuals in their recovery journeys. The meeting underscored the progress in reducing fatal overdoses, with hopes for the lowest numbers since 2018. Speakers reiterated the importance of community and unity among harm reduction and recovery groups, emphasizing that collective action is essential for effective policy-making. Key points included the need for comprehensive support systems for long-term recovery, including housing, transportation, food access, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Attendees were encouraged to connect with one another, support local recovery centers, and engage with legislation impacting their lives. They were urged to advocate for their issues, share their voices with legislators, and utilize social media to raise awareness and combat stigma. The meeting concluded with a reminder to honor those lost to overdose and systemic failures by turning advocacy into action.