Cultivating understanding While Allan’s own recovery is strengthened through his work, his focus is always on the community members who attend his trainings, workshops, town hall meetings, and forums. He says people’s experiences with opioids, whether personal or through loved ones, run the gamut from hopeful to devastating, and bring out a litany of emotions as people struggle to manage such a heavy burden. Whether offering possible solutions or just educating people to increase awareness, Allan has made it his life’s mission to take prevention education to anyone willing to listen. He says he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon as he looks to build stronger communities and individuals through education. “I know that I’m getting out important information and I hope that I’m making a difference in the community,” Allan says. “That’s the type of stuff that keeps me coming back.”
Personal dedication In long-term recovery himself, Allan says he sees his work as a way to give back to the community. He says the mission has become part of his own recovery as he works to contribute to society and effect positive change in those around him. “It started off as a job, and I don’t want to sound corny, but it’s kind of my identity now,” Allan says. “We have to give back, so yeah it’s a job, it pays bills, but I never lose sight of the fact that this is part of my recovery.” Allan says he’s extremely appreciative of everything UMADAOP has done for him, and credits Executive Director John Edwards with making his career possible. He says his work strengthens his dedication to sobriety and motivates him to keep pushing to help people in need. “It’s been said that you have to give it away to keep it, and it’s very true,” Allan says. “It affects my life in a good way as well.” Allan’s typical day involves going out into the community and talking with people about opioids, including the scope of the epidemic, the associated stigma, the dangers opioids pose, and the treatment options available. Allan says his goal is to achieve over 300,000 contacts every year, and is already personally responsible for over 55 percent of all Narcan trainings in the county. After conducting trainings everywhere from church basements to Applebee’s, he says he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get his message of preventative education out into the community. “I will go anywhere and do anything where there are people who are willing to listen to what I have to say,” Allan says.
“To just be somebody that can listen and maybe offer an idea or two, and to see that comfort people, that’s awesome, it’s very rewarding.” -Geof Allan
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