OLYMPIA—On February 6, 2025, the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) will convene over 300 recovery champions at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislative priorities as part of Recovery Advocacy Day (RAD).
Since 2014, the WRA has created a statewide community that celebrates and advocates for recovery. Since the first Recovery Advocacy Day in 2016, the WRA has grown from a grassroots team of approximately 75 people into an organized coalition making real change in Washington state and beyond. The 2024 RAD saw more than 174 recovery advocates from across the state meet with 111 lawmakers and staff. Many of the WRA’s 2024 legislative priorities were included in SB 6228, which successfully passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Inslee.
In 2025, RAD expects more than 300 people to be in attendance, sharing stories of resilience and hope with lawmakers and each other as they advocate for this year’s legislative priorities.
- Quality recovery housing expansion through creating a capital budget fund
- Expanding access to peer support services system-wide
- Generating targeted revenue to fund behavioral health service
“Recovery housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a foundation where hope is rebuilt, support is unwavering, and individuals are empowered to reclaim their lives one step at a time,” said Jason Bliss, Executive Director of the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR).
Beyond housing, the movement for recovery thrives on strong advocacy. Monika Whitfield, Executive Director of the Washington Recovery Alliance, emphasized the power of collective voices in driving systemic change: “Advocacy is at the heart of recovery. When people with lived experience come together to share their stories, they don’t just shape policy—they break down stigma, expand access to life-saving resources, and create a future where recovery is celebrated and supported at every level.”
RAD begins at 7:00 a.m. on February 6 at United Churches of Olympia before moving to the Capitol for legislative meetings. Register to attend: https://www.classy.org/event/recovery-advocacy-day/e600040
ABOUT WASHINGTON RECOVERY ALLIANCE
The Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) builds community and advocates for those affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Led by and for people with lived experience, WRA unites voices to drive policy change, reduce stigma, and expand access to recovery resources. Learn more: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
