for advocates
Our Role as Advocates
USARA advocates for communities affected by substance use and individuals in recovery by engaging in the legislative process. By statute, we hold a seat on the Utah Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory (USAAV+) legislative council, which aims to strategically address the correlation between substance use disorders and mental health in the state. Each year, we review hundreds of bills and advise on any potential positive or negative impacts on the recovery community.
Our advocacy work centers around fostering more empathy and compassion. This requires a significant amount of engagement and is oftentimes harder than just ignoring the problem. By building relationships and seeking out collaborative partnerships, we aim to destigmatize substance use, remove barriers that negatively impact people in the recovery community, and promote legislation that creates positive change to improve the lives of Utahns.
Staying Active & Engaged
When legislation is proposed, we conduct research, look to national recovery leaders, have difficult conversations, focus on the broad consensus, and frame our approach as representative of people and families in recovery.
We fight to stop legislation that will create inhumane or oppressive consequences or rulings for individuals with substance use disorders, and at the same time, we actively work with legislators and interest groups to promote and create legislation that is favorable. Because of our critical role in every session, legislators look to us to form positions on a proposed bill and we hold a significant amount of reverence for providing recommendations.
Common barriers that can be removed through advocacy include housing, healthcare, and criminal justice. Because of this, we advocate for individuals with and recovering from substance use disorders to:
- Have access to safe, stable and affordable housing
- Have access to quality and affordable care
- Benefit from changing the narrative from criminal justice to health and wellness
legislation we’re following
Peer Recovery Coaches help individuals craft their own recovery path and assist with the process, addressing challenges and barriers you may face when it comes to navigating the complexities of a healthcare system.
Family Support groups are facilitated by peer coaches that meet weekly to share experiences and engage in skills-based learning together.