Rural Health NetworkingRural Health Networking
Rural Roads- The RCORPodcast.
Karen Atkins talks about how authentic networking, weak ties and creative partnerships strengthen rural opioid recovery efforts. The conversation links personal stories from Kentucky with practical ways to build relationships that support healing and reduce stigma.
44:18•6 Jun 2023
Strengthening Rural Recovery Through Smart Networking
Episode Overview
- Authentic, vulnerable conversations create stronger connections than trying to appear clever or perfect.
- Weak ties and acquaintances can be crucial for professional opportunities and support in recovery work.
- Avoid common "conversation crimes" such as interrupting and one‑upping, which shut down genuine dialogue.
- Off‑the‑clock networking through activities like exercise and book clubs can grow into powerful recovery partnerships.
- RCORP grantees benefit from carefully managing reputation and continually sharing their mission and stories.
“"Over your career, your network and its health will be your greatest advantage in succeeding."”
How do different strategies aid in addiction recovery? This conversation on Rural Roads: The RCORPodcast looks at how smart networking can strengthen rural efforts to tackle opioid use and support recovery. The episode features Karen Atkins, Public Information Officer at Kentucky River Foothills Development Council in rural Kentucky, and project director for the Madison Opioid Response and Empowerment (MORE) programme.
That moment pushed Karen towards becoming a recovery ally, raising funds, teaching life skills, and fighting for "many beautiful souls who need people like me fighting for them." She explains networking in simple terms: "dedicating time to making meaningful connections, building new relationships and talking to strangers," adding that "over your career, your network and its health will be your greatest advantage in succeeding." You’ll hear practical tips on handling social anxiety, avoiding "conversation crimes" like one‑upping, escaping those dreaded trapped chats, and using small, genuine details (remembering names, recalling life events) to make people feel seen.
With 24 years in public relations and community action, Karen talks about how relationship-building underpins her work to reduce opioid-related harm and support recovery services. Karen shares a powerful early story from Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women, where a resident whispered, "She's not one of us," after realising Karen wasn't in recovery herself. Karen breaks down the idea of "weak ties"—acquaintances who can be crucial for career progress—and shows how they helped her secure nominations and support.
She also highlights how off‑the‑clock networking at the gym, yoga, and book clubs has grown into partnerships, including a creative community healing series and a large book club around *Demon Copperhead* to talk trauma, stigma, recovery and the opioid crisis. If you’re involved in rural health, recovery services, or just want to build better connections that actually help people, this episode gives you plenty to think about. How might your own relationships support recovery in your community?
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