Gerald Lott: Championing Rural Health and Recovery with Heart and Humor
I've lost two sisters to fractured and siloed systems of injustice and lack of care. And you know, the whole thing took About Five Days or so and eventually we had run out of options and we went to the local police department because they had this program where you were supposed to be able to get help. They didn't have a treatment center that would take her. You did all I did was put a whole bunch of people together and see what happens.
Ever wondered what it takes to be a beacon of hope in rural health and recovery? Meet Gerald Lott, the executive director of Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery. In this engaging episode of 'No Thanks But Yes', host Donald McDonald chats with Gerald about his incredible journey towards sobriety and his tireless advocacy for rural health. Recorded live at Recover-Con 2022 in Dixon, IL, their conversation is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and invaluable insights.
Gerald opens up about the personal challenges he faced on his road to recovery, including the struggle to find adequate resources in rural areas. His advocacy is deeply personal, driven by the loss of two sisters due to fractured recovery systems. Through his work, Gerald emphasizes the power of community support and the importance of events in promoting recovery. He also candidly discusses the need for balance and self-care in advocacy work, sharing his own experiences of finding that equilibrium.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the benefits and hurdles of using podcasting as a tool for advocacy. If you're interested in rural health, recovery communities, or just need a dose of inspiration and hope, this episode is a must-listen.