Michelle Dunn: From Heartbreak to Healing Communities
The connection is the way to heal individuals with addiction and substance use disorder, but it's also the way to support and heal families or those that have been impacted.
Michelle Dunn's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of purpose. In this episode of 'Airing Addiction', Michelle shares her deeply personal journey through the labyrinth of addiction and recovery, marked by the tragic loss of her daughter, Alyssa, to a heroin overdose. As the Director of Community Engagement - Substance Use Services at GAAMHA, Michelle has dedicated her life to filling the gaps she once encountered in the addiction treatment system.
Her commitment led to the creation of a peer recovery center in North Central Massachusetts, offering vital support where it was sorely lacking. Michelle's advocacy doesn't stop there; she is also the president and founder of the AED Foundation Inc., an organization born out of her grief that now provides education, advocacy, and support for those affected by substance use disorder.
Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Michelle discusses her involvement with various support groups and advisory boards, shedding light on the importance of community engagement in battling addiction. Listeners will find inspiration in Michelle's unwavering dedication to turning personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Tune in to hear how one mother's love and determination are making a profound impact on countless lives.