CAPITOL -- Gov. Nixon gave some recognition to people integral to the nation's health today, but who are not really on the radar screen in the debate over reform.

Most people don't know enough about sophisticated medical care even to ask the right questions.  

"I think we all have examples and experiences within the health care system where we just didn't understand,” Health Literacy Missouri Arthur Culbert said. “And we said yes or no, but really didn't know what we were saying yes or no to.”

That's why Nixon singled out the St. Louis based "Health Literacy Missouri" organization for recognition.  The group counsels school kids, civic organizations, even medical students on the language of health care.

"We're all looking for every tool possible to make people well,” Nixon said.

Alcohol and drug abuse draws a lot of attention, except when people fight to get sober and stay that way.

"We reduce barriers to treatments, and we let people know that recovery is possible and real,” Missouri Recovery Network’s Brenda Schell said.

The Missouri Recovery Network is a non-profit, non-tax supported coalition of organizations that counsel recovering addicts.

"This is individual intervention and day-to-day work and efforts and energy,” Nixon said.

"I had legal problems, emotional problems and problems in my family, but it's allowed me to lead a peaceful, productive, normal life again,” Recovering Alcoholic Angie Carter said.

Carter is among a number of recovering addicts who now counsel others in need.

"I mean, a heart surgeon doesn't have to have a heart attack to be good,” Recovering Alcoholic Don Carter said. “But it does take one to know one many times.”

These counselors coordinate with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, but they depend on private funds to survive.

"It's a problem right now,” Counselor Gary Lorts said. “Donations are down because of the recession."

Learn more about the efforts of the Missouri Recovery Network morecovery.org.