Vermont’s largest public event focused on recovery and addiction support returns Friday, August 1, with the 4th Annual “Coming Together” Substance Use Addiction Summit. The free, statewide event—open to all—will take place at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction and is expected to draw hundreds of attendees both in person and online via Zoom.

“This is the largest public recovery event in the State of Vermont,” said Summit Co-Chair Brad Ferland. “Anyone may attend and find help and hope.”

Beginning at 10 AM with a speaker session that runs until 11:45 AM, the summit will feature a lineup of state leaders, healthcare experts, and community voices. Key speakers include:

• Monica Hutt, Governor’s Chief Prevention Officer
• Lauren Ressue, Vermont Department of Health
• Secretary Jenney Samuelson and DOC Commissioner Nicholas Deml
• Commissioner Jennifer Morrison, Vermont Department of Public Safety
• Scott Acus, Vermont Judiciary on the Sequential Intercept Model
• Tracy Thomasson, SaVida Health
• Kevin Hamel, Valley Vista
• Sharon Lifschutz, LUND
• Dawn Tatro and Lila Bennett, Ben’s House

Attendees will also hear from Co-Chairs Melinda White and Brad Ferland, as well as enjoy surprise guest presentations.

“This is a space where anyone can walk in anonymously and find support for themselves or a loved one,” said White. “There are no barriers—just tremendous statewide resources.”

Following the main session, over 100 informational and resource booths will be open from noon – 4 PM, offering services, program information, and networking opportunities. Breakout rooms will host smaller, focused discussions on specific recovery topics. A memorial wall will be available for attendees to honor loved ones lost to substance use.

Other highlights include live music throughout the day, a wide selection of food vendors, and free admission and parking.

Summit Goals: A Blueprint for Regional Recovery

Organizers say the summit is about more than information—it’s a platform for statewide action. This year’s goals include:

• Increasing Recovery Beds: Addressing Vermont’s urgent need for more residential and recovery beds.
• Extending Residential Stays: Advocating for longer stays and better Medicaid reimbursement.
• Tri-State Collaboration: Introducing a regional treatment model across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
• Long-Term Recovery Models: Highlighting programs like Jenna’s Promise that integrate workforce development.
• Humanizing Addiction: Focusing on separating addiction from identity and emphasizing compassion.
• Law Enforcement Support: Encouraging integration of mental health and recovery professionals with police efforts.
• Political Advocacy: Raising awareness and support for addiction recovery at all levels of government.

For those unable to attend in person, the summit will be live-streamed via Zoom, making participation accessible to all Vermonters and regional partners.

Event Details:

• When: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Where: Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction
• Main Session: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Resource Booths & Breakouts: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Admission & Parking: Free