Shawn Wirta is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist with Recovery Alliance Duluth (RAD) in Minnesota. RAD was established in 2019 as the first recovery community organization in northeast Minnesota and has quickly become an integral piece of continuity of care for people with substance use issues in the region. RAD peer recovery specialists are dedicated to using their lived experience and training to provide individuals with recovery support that is non-judgmental, voluntary, non-clinical, and flexible. Their conversations are strength-based, positive, transparent, and realistic. Shawn, who began his recovery journey in 2016, says “I now believe in all walks of recovery. The harm reduction model actually fits a lot of lives wonderfully. I’ve learned to meet people where they’re at and to not bring any judgment. I’ve truly never been so fulfilled in my life. I’ve discovered that when I’m helping someone, I’m also helping myself. It keeps my addiction and issues in the forefront of my mind, without actually being triggered. I’m trying to establish myself as a safe person in my community. And in doing so, the response of people in general is love.”