The challenges of addiction and recovery

Addiction doesn’t start with a needle or a bottle. It often starts with silence, stigma, and pain. Behind every statistic is a story, and behind every story, a person who is searching for hope. In response to the growing number of opioid deaths, the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs brought in a professional who spoke to the Lethbridge community about the complex challenges of addiction and recovery, and the importance of support and connection in the healing process. BCN’s Heidi Echavarria has the story.

Heidi Echavarria

Heidi was born in Bogota, Colombia and lived there until she was 18, then she moved to Caracas, Venezuela where she finished her bachelor's degree in journalism. Since 2010 she covered political issues related to the government of former president Hugo Chávez and his political opponents, management, death and transition to a new government. Likewise, Heidi did research, wrote chronicles, reports and news in the social, community, and cultural areas. In 2019, Heidi, along with her husband and three children, moved to Aurora, Ontario where she worked at Teen Challenge Canada. In September 2023, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. Heidi also has a diploma in Addictions and Community Health. In 2024, she joined at Bridge City News team as a Video Journalist to produce a wide range of stories including those which are faith based glorifying Jesus Christ.

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