Odyssey House Journals

Odyssey House Journals

Odyssey House Journals

  • 49 Odyssey House Journals - Mary Jo McMillen

49 Odyssey House Journals - Mary Jo McMillen

Thursday 12th March 2020

Join Mary Jo McMillen as she talks about her journey in addiction recovery and the vital role of support services in Utah on 'Odyssey House Journals'.
28 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Supportive
Engaging

About this podcast

Odyssey House Journals
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Mary Jo McMillen: A Pillar in Utah's Fight for Recovery

We shouldn't be making decisions about people with addiction who are in recovery without their voices.
Mary Jo McMillen has been a significant figure in Utah's recovery landscape long before most people even knew what addiction recovery entailed. As the Executive Director of the Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), she's now a cornerstone in the state's efforts to combat addiction.
In this episode of 'Odyssey House Journals', hosted by TV news veteran Randall Carlisle, McMillen shares her journey and sheds light on the vital role of recovery support services and healthcare access in successful addiction recovery. McMillen’s story is one of dedication and passion. She discusses how USARA, a non-profit organization, offers various services like recovery coaching, support groups, and educational programs.
What makes USARA stand out is its emphasis on peer support—those who have walked the path of recovery themselves helping others find their way. McMillen believes that having someone who truly understands the struggle can make all the difference. Family support also plays a crucial role in recovery, according to McMillen. USARA collaborates with the state to provide peer-delivered recovery support services, which help build a non-judgmental, supportive environment for those battling addiction.
They also organize social activities, proving that a sober life can be both fulfilling and fun. The opioid epidemic has hit Utah hard, and McMillen speaks candidly about its impact on the community. She stresses the importance of giving those in recovery a voice in their treatment and care decisions. Her advocacy work and leadership at USARA have been pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by the epidemic.
This episode is not just about McMillen’s achievements; it’s a call to action for better support systems and healthcare access for those in recovery. Her insights are both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the relentless fight against addiction in Utah.