USARA Executive Director Receives the 2015 Utah Substance Abuse Advisory Council Governor’s Award

Each year, the Utah Substance Abuse Advisory (USAAV) Council honors those who have made outstanding contributions to Utah’s efforts to eliminate substance use disorders and their consequences. 

On December 11th, 2015, the USAAV Council presented the 2015 Governor’s Award to Mary Jo McMillen, USARA’s Executive Director, in recognition of her vision, leadership, and passionate advocacy on behalf of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders and their families, resulting in reduced stigma and many lives saved.
 
Mary Jo McMillen is a proven and effective advocate for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.  Her vision, leadership, and work ethic have made a significant contribution to the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.  Over the past five years, while serving as the Executive Director of the Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness – USARA, Mary Jo’s boundless energy and enthusiasm have led to the creation of many successful events and initiatives designed to reduce stigma and discrimination and ensure better care for individuals with addictive disorders.

Mary Jo, a woman with over 30 years in recovery herself, and a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor with 28 years’ experience, was instrumental in establishing USARA.  In fact, due to her participation in a grass roots effort to establish USARA, and service as a founding board member, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health acknowledges that USARA would not exist today but for the involvement of Mary Jo and her husband Shawn who provided the vision, connections to the recovery community, and requisite “sweat equity” needed to start a new non-profit organization.

The following are just a few examples of Mary Jo’s outstanding work as Executive Director of USARA: 

Every year, USARA sponsors a “Rally for Recovery” at the Utah State Capitol during the legislative session. This advocacy effort brings together hundreds of people, who are the “Voices of Recovery,” to communicate the positive impact that prevention, treatment, and recovery support have on the people of Utah. Mary Jo led this year’s event, held on March 6th, and used the platform to advocate for Utah’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

Mary Jo and USARA also host Recovery Month events throughout the State during September, and are currently involved in setting up a support line for people needing additional support in their recovery.  Another successful initiative Mary Jo has directed is the development of USARA’s Addiction Recovery Management for Families program or “ARM,” which provides free recovery management planning for persons with a history of drug and alcohol addiction and their family members.

Congratulations Mary Jo!