New recovery coaches serving across the Health System will be helping to fight against substance use disorders.
In 2021, the Health System held a pilot in Ladysmith. Since then, the program has continued to grow and services are provided in Beaver Dam, Eau Claire, Dickinson, Neillsville, Rice Lake, River Region locations and Weston, with plans to expand to Marshfield, Minocqua and Park Falls in 2024.
The Recovery Coach program is a partnership with AmeriCorps Recovery Corps, a program housed in the Center for Community Health Advancement. The coaches support people who are facing substance misuse challenges. They help by connecting people with community resources, offering sober friendship and tips for sober living, creating wellness plans and more.
Recovery coaches include:
- Leona “Danielle” Mills, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam, at 920-342-9543
- Jenn Podeweltz, Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, at 715-297-2816
- Christian Johnson, Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire, at 715-829-9376
- Brittany Perzichilli, Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake, at 715-999-0088
- Jamie Thibedeau, Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith, at 715-450-3901
- Alex Gendron, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, at 906-200-0243
- Kayle Glamann, Marshfield Medical Center-River Region, at 715-301-3624
- Barb Pyle, Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville, at 715-819-9185
All recovery coaches have lived an experience of working through substance use issues of their own and are trained through the nationally recognized Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery.
“My goal is to partner with the individual, meet them where they’re at, and provide them with a list of community resources for housing and employment,” said Barbara Pyle, recovery coach. “A person’s recovery is a process of change that must be self-directed and self-driven so that the person realizes their value through their efforts and can lead a more purposeful life. My role in this is that no one walks alone, and we work on canceling the blame and shame of addiction. This is not an easy process for most. My two important questions are, “How can I help you?” and “What’s possible for you?”
“We’re thrilled to see the progress of the Recovery Coach program,” said Meagan Barnett, community health manager. “It’s a valuable resource to the communities we serve, but also aligns with our strategic goals of smart growth and partnering with a purpose.”