Hope Grove Recovery and Step Out Vermont were proud to participate in the 4th Annual Coming Together Substance Use Addiction Summit, held yesterday at the Champlain Valley Exposition. This impactful event provided a full day of education, networking, and shared lived experiences for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Attendees heard from a diverse group of leaders and advocates, including Charlie Papillo, Brad Ferland, Melinda White, Monica Hutt (Governor’s Chief Prevention Officer), Lauren Ressue (Vermont Department of Health), Tracy Thomasson (SaVida Health), Secretary Jenney Samuelson, Commissioner Nicholas Deml (Department of Corrections), Commissioner Jennifer Morrison (Department of Public Safety), Scott Acus (Vermont Courts), Dawn Tatro (Jenna’s Promise), Lila Bennett (Ben’s House), Kevin Hamel (Valley Vista), and Sharon Lifschutz (LUND).

Event highlights included Vermont Health Department statistics on substance use, breakout rooms focused on specific recovery topics, and a Memorial Wall honoring loved ones lost to addiction. The summit emphasized several key goals of promoting long-term recovery models, supporting law enforcement with embedded recovery and mental health professionals, and raising political attention to the addiction crisis.

Recovery is not a journey taken alone! It’s a community effort. Whether you’re a provider, policymaker, family member, advocate, or someone in recovery, we all play a role in building a stronger, more compassionate support system. Events like the Coming Together Summit remind us that healing happens when we listen, learn, and act together. By continuing to show up, share resources, and support one another, we help create a Vermont where recovery is not only possible but also celebrated.