If you’ve been out and about in the community in any capacity, you probably know Lydia Goodson from something or another. Now you’ll know her story even more after she was one of several people featured in a new ad campaign to help Georgians who have substance abuse issues find the help they need to recover and grow.

Goodson, Program Manager at Mosaic Place, is featured in a longer video interview along with photos and billboards – including her beloved basset Charlie Beaux – as one of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse’s Georgia Recover Ambassadors for 2022. She’s one of a group of 15 featured throughout the year on materials encouraging people to seek recovery help from substance abuse.

“Being a Recovery Ambassador is an honor, and I’m glad I am able to share my message of hope with others in such a way that it goes beyond the people of Georgia who need help, but to the entire world,” Goodson said.

In long-term recovery herself, Goodson talked about her past in the video interview above as part of the project and has since shared that story with others as part of her involvement and work at Mosaic Place.

That’s included stints as a Peer Navigator, then a promotion to Outreach Coordinator, and is now Program Coordinator for the Highland Rivers Health program, all over the past three years.

She also got a chance to talk about recovery under the Gold Dome with lawmakers like Rep. Matthew Gambill, who in June was named a House co-chair of the General Assembly Working Group on Addiction and Recovery, and Judy Fitzgerald, Commissioner Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities following a press conference announcing the efforts on January 24.

“Being at the Capitol was a great experience,” she said. “Part of my job is reaching out to people who need help on a day-to-day basis here in Polk County, but it also requires that we who are working with people step up and reach out to lawmakers, whose help we need as well. Anytime I have the opportunity to advocate for recovery is truly and honor, especially when it comes with an opportunity to meet with elected officials and share our experiences and come to the table with them on how we can find solutions to help people in long-term recovery who need it.”

The statewide recognition of the 13th Annual Addiction Recovery Awareness Day was held on January 25, and brought together a number of councils to advocate and spread awareness of Addition Recovery efforts happening statewide.

Those who are looking for addiction help immediately can seek out resources statewide from the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse’s website here.

Find additional local information on recovery help from Mosaic Place here.

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1 Comment

  1. Thank you for publishing Lydia’s story!! Yes, she’s very passionate about sharing her story to
    reach others who believe there is no hope if they are currently in addiction. Her story is proof
    that living life in recovery is possible. She is committed to sharing the news with Polk County & now with the state of Georgia & beyond. This strong, brave woman has taken a courageous step
    to help others & I appreciate your sharing her story. God Bless You 🙏💪🤩

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