Some Hoosiers in substance use recovery don’t have enough support or resources — and some grassroots organizations want to step in to fill those gaps.
A Senate committee passed a bill to establish standards for recovery community organizations, which gives these groups access to more funding opportunities.
The RCO model is used nationally by independent, nonprofit groups. These organizations often provide peer-based recovery support services, harm reduction programs, and community outreach and education programs. HB 1205 would require RCOs to be certified through the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
Heather Rodriguez, director of the Indiana Recovery Network, said state certification will ensure RCOs meet the national model criteria and provide quality assurance “in a safe supporting recovery community.”
“Building strong RCOs is one way to break feelings of isolation and shame, build strong relationships, and advocate for community based solutions that work,” Rodriguez said.