I have been in recovery since September 6, 2003. For many years, I was quiet about that. Today, however, I choose to speak out as an advocate in my community about overdose prevention, harm reduction practices, and the importance of ongoing recovery support that allows people to thrive in whatever aspect of their lives they are working to improve.
I have lost many close friends over the years. I lost my best friend in 2008, which was a turning point in my life and in my decision to stop being so quiet about addiction issues, stigma, and the discrimination people face when trying to access services. I also recently lost another dear friend who was a fierce advocate and wasn’t shy about saying the things that needed to be said to get results. For her, it was about survival. Although she lost her battle, the impact of her activism lives on.
I am working to get Narcan in every high school in South Carolina through legislation. While progress has been made, the work is not finished. I have been part of efforts that helped pass similar laws in other states, but it has yet to pass in my home state.