Council honors Johnny Ohta from Ryther with 2026 Recovery Champion Award

September 8, 2026

The King County Council on Tuesday presented the 2026 King County Recovery Champion Award to Johnny Ohta, a youth substance use disorder professional at Ryther. Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Council Chair Sarah Perry led the Council in presenting the award.

“Johnny Ohta is more than a professional — he is a critical lifeline for young people who are struggling, and he refuses to give up on them,” Dunn said. “As someone who has walked my own road of recovery and relied on people like Johnny along the way, I know how much it matters to have someone who believes in you and stays by your side. For decades, Johnny has changed lives across King County, and I am incredibly proud to recognize him as our 2026 Recovery Champion.”

Johnny Ohta is a cornerstone of Ryther's mission to empower and heal the lives of vulnerable youth. Serving on Ryther's Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) team in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente doctors, Johnny has played a pivotal role in addressing the complex challenges faced by youth dealing with substance use.

“I’m deeply grateful to receive this award, but even more grateful for the privilege to walk alongside young people in our community and help them build a healthier future,” Ohta said. “I want to recognize those in our community who choose recovery and keep moving forward, even when the road is difficult.”

Johnny has been supporting youth struggling with drug addiction for nearly three decades. Drawing on his own life experience, he has helped hundreds of teens and young adults facing substance use challenges, meeting them wherever they are — whether in homeless encampments, schools, juvenile detention, or anywhere else across King County — and supporting them through every turn on their path to recovery.

“For those struggling with behavioral health and substance use issues, having someone stand with them and support them every step of the way with resources, knowledge, and compassion drawn through personal experience is invaluable,” Perry said. “We’re deeply grateful to Johnny for choosing to be that person for so many young people in King County and that he continues to make a meaningful, positive impact for our youth every day.”

Ryther helps children, youth, young adults, and their families find a path to healing and hope through a wide range of behavioral health and therapeutic services. The organization uses evidence-based practices and provides services in schools, social service agencies, and other community settings. It serves more than 800 children, youth, and young adults each month and continues to expand its programs and reach across the community.

“For 20 years, Johnny has been a trusted partner, mentor, and friend for thousands of children and young adults throughout their recovery journey,” said King County Councilmember Jorge L. Barón. “I am deeply grateful for the tireless support that he provides our young people – no matter the twists in the road. This commitment has never been more critical than today, as he works on the front lines of our region’s fentanyl epidemic. I was proud to nominate Johnny for the King County Recovery Award. Our community owes him an immense debt of gratitude for his tireless commitment to the health and happiness of our young people.” 

Created in 2022 through legislation proposed by Dunn and co-sponsored by Councilmember Sarah Perry, the King County Recovery Champion Award recognizes a person or organization within King County that has demonstrated hard work and passion in helping those with substance use disorders.

The award presentation coincides with the Council’s proclamation of Recovery Month, a nationwide observance held each September to celebrate the progress of people in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. It also follows the 6th Annual King County Substance Use Recovery Conference, which brought nearly 500 people to Renton Technical College and convened treatment providers, community partners, and representatives from state, county, city, and tribal governments to discuss approaches to expanding and improving recovery services and care in South King County.