In this episode of King County Recovery Conversations, host Heather Venegas is joined by Roberta Romero and Marcos Sauri for a powerful conversation about the Latinx community and recovery during Hispanic Heritage Month. Together, they discuss the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in the recovery space, the importance of cultural identity, and the need for tailored support for different communities. Romero and Sauri shed light on the importance of cultural identity and inclusion in the recovery journey, emphasizing the significance of representation and understanding in addressing the needs of the BIPOC and Latinx communities.
Roberta Romero is a journalist and advocate who has provided support to those in recovery through multiple nonprofit organizations. In her current role as the executive producer of Facing Race at KING 5, Romero gives a platform to people of color to share their stories.
Marcos Sauri is a licensed clinician and recovery advocate with expertise in addiction, mental health, and community violence. He also serves as the board vice president of the King County Recovery Coalition’s Advisory Board.
Listen to this thought-provoking episode to learn more about the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of the Latinx community in the journey toward recovery.
King County Recovery Conversations:
Resources from the episode:
- Visit LinkedIn to connect with Roberta Romero and Marcos Sauri.
- The King County Recovery Coalition will be hosting in-person and virtual training sessions for those who would like to join the Eleva Recovery Advocacy Training program in Spanish. Learn more here.
- Connect with show host Heather Venegas on LinkedIn.
- Celebrate the Recovery Art Showcase during the Belltown Art Walk at Vann Studio Salon on October 13. King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division invited King County residents in mental health or substance use recovery to showcase their art to reduce stigma and share a message of hope for recovery and wellness. The art will be on display at Vann Studio Salon in Belltown during September and October 2023.
- Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website.
- The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.
- If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline.
King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you’re someone seeking recovery, in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.
Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition).
If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
