MADISON, Wis. — September is National Recovery Month, and Wisconsinites came together Saturday to support one another at the 10th annual “Rally for Recovery.”
Community members shared and listened to stories of addiction and recovery. For speaker Desilynn Smith, it was a way to heal and call for change.
“I chose to share my story [Saturday] in hopes of helping others and getting the word out on the high numbers of fentanyl poisonings and the much-needed resources and education,” she said.
Smith’s experience with substance abuse began when she lost her husband to fentanyl poisoning. At the time, she worked at a treatment center for substance use and mental health. She said her view on the issue change when she experienced its effects firsthand.
“Even though I was already working in that field, I still had my stigmas of fear, of shame, or even guilt of not being able to help my own loved ones,” Smith said.
She went on to lose more friends and loved ones to substance use over the years. That led her to advocate for more awareness in her community.
“I turned to that so that I could let people know that there are people out here that are here to listen and are here not to judge and are here to understand if you do have those stigmas that you’re not even aware of,” Smith said.
That spirit of understanding was present throughout the rally, hosted by Wisconsin Voices for Recovery. It brought people together to share their experiences and provide resources for those dealing with addiction and their loved ones.
Matthew Enlund, a house manager at Onyx Sober Living in New Richmond, came to the rally with several of his team members to show their support.
“I think it’s extremely important and vital that everyone shares their experience, strength and hope just to show, especially the newcomers to recovery, that it’s possible, they can do it too,” he said.
The rally was also a way for people to call for change in Wisconsin, drawing attention to the need for more resources, and calling for improvements to Wisconsin’s Good Samaritan Laws protecting those who help someone suffering from an overdose.
“My hope is that people will start working more closely together at helping those in need and spreading the word, getting the word out,” Smith said.