SWACH joins advocates at the Capitol for Recovery Advocacy Day

On February 6, 2025, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) joined advocates, community partners, and individuals with lived experience at the Washington State Capitol for Recovery Advocacy Day. Organized by the Washington Recovery Alliance, this annual event is dedicated to advancing policies that support recovery, harm reduction, and access to mental health and substance use services.

As part of our commitment to policy and advocacy, SWACH chartered a bus to Olympia, ensuring that advocates from Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties could participate in the day’s events. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with legislators, share personal experiences, and advocate for policies that prioritize recovery services, harm reduction, and housing stability.

A Powerful Day of Advocacy

For many, Recovery Advocacy Day is more than a policy event—it’s about representation and empowerment.

Charles Hanset, Founder and Executive Director of Thrive2Survive, has been attending the event for years and understands firsthand how critical it is to show up and make voices heard.

"Recovery Advocacy Day is important to me because it gives a voice to those who are often unheard," Hanset shared. "As someone who has lived through addiction, homelessness, and mental health struggles, I know firsthand the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives. This day is an opportunity to stand alongside others in recovery, sharing our stories directly with lawmakers and pushing for policies that truly support people on their journey."

For Rod Bergquist, an advocate who lost his son Ryan to fentanyl and alcohol overdose in 2023, Recovery Advocacy Day was a way to learn, connect, and take action.

"About the middle of last year, I had a thought that I would like to find a way to learn more about the drug problem that claimed my son's life," Bergquist shared. "I sent an email to the Clark County medical office asking if a similar program existed for Clark County. I also wanted to know if I could volunteer somewhere. That led to contacting Nicole Hamberger, and she graciously guided me into PRACC. I’m continuing to meet more people to talk and work with."

For Bergquist, the opportunity to be part of advocacy work has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

"I saw the bus trip invitation and knew I had to be there. Then I was asked if I could be a team lead, and I agreed. After all, one of the reasons I started with PRACC was to learn and to make myself available—to say ‘yes’ when asked to do something."

The Power of Personal Stories

One of the most impactful moments of the day came when an advocate shared their personal story with a lawmaker for the first time.

"You could see the nervousness at first, the hesitation, the feeling that maybe their voice didn’t matter," Hanset recalled. "But as they spoke, something shifted. They realized that their lived experience carried weight, that their story had the power to influence real change. By the time they finished, the lawmaker wasn’t just listening; they were engaged, asking questions, and genuinely considering how they could help."

For Hanset, this moment was deeply personal.

"We were all in tears, and it reminded me of the first time I shared my sister Sonya’s story with a lawmaker," he said. "Moments like that remind me why I keep showing up. Seeing people step into their power, find their voice, and realize they are more than their past is what this work is all about."

For Bergquist, attending Recovery Advocacy Day reinforced just how widespread and urgent the issue of addiction and recovery is.

"The volume of concerned participants still surprises me," he said. "The problem of drug addiction, despite my many years in AA, was always a problem ‘out there.’ Until it wasn’t ‘out there’ anymore—it was inside my home. Seeing everyone at the state Capitol, in the hallways, crammed into a legislator's office or waiting room was very emotional and exciting. Sadly, it isn’t enough."

Looking Ahead: The Future of Recovery in Washington

While Recovery Advocacy Day was an opportunity to celebrate progress, both Hanset and Bergquist emphasized that there’s still work to be done to ensure long-term recovery support and systems change in Washington.

"I hope that in the next few years, Washington will take a more holistic and comprehensive approach to recovery, one that fully integrates mental health, substance use, and homelessness services," Hanset said.

Bergquist echoed this sentiment, pointing out that stigma continues to be a major barrier to effective recovery solutions.

"Years ago, I read a book titled ‘Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.’ It described our failure to change the stigma of addicts as lower-class waste ruining our society. It also described countries that are trying different successful approaches to changing the stigma—helping versus condemning," he shared.

"When I moved my son out of a drug house, the neighbor took the time to scream at me about what a miserable person my son was. I listened for a few minutes and walked away. I said nothing. That’s not who my son was, but it is who he became. I don’t know how to change our approach, but we must continue to find a path to help those who need it and who want it."

Hanset stressed the need for prevention, early intervention, and community-driven solutions, including expanding Housing First programs and ensuring that people with lived experience are part of the decision-making process.

"That’s when real, lasting change happens—when those who understand the struggle are part of the solution."

SWACH’s Commitment to Advocacy

SWACH is proud to stand alongside advocates, community-based organizations, and individuals with lived experience in pushing for policies that prioritize recovery, harm reduction, and health equity.

Our work doesn’t stop here—through ongoing advocacy initiatives, policy engagement, and collaboration with partners, we remain dedicated to amplifying community voices and ensuring lasting change.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Olympia for this impactful day of advocacy. Together, we are building a future where recovery is supported, barriers are removed, and every individual has access to the care they need.

How to Stay Involved

Advocacy efforts are ongoing. If you’re interested in getting involved with recovery-centered advocacy, consider joining Prevention and Recovery Alliance Clark County (PRACC) or attending upcoming events such as Housing and Homeless Advocacy Day.

For more information, visit SWACH Advocacy.