Blog

Reigniting the Flame

From June 27th – 29th the University of Texas Addiction Research Institute and Achara Consulting held the ‘Transforming Minds, Inspiring Hope, and Changing the Narrative: The Art of Healing Through Peer Support conference with sponsorship from the Texas Health and Human Services. 

Texas Legislative Bills Taking Effect September 1st

ARI’s Policy and Engagement team have spent the past year focusing on advocating for policy change during Texas’ 88th legislative session. Research Associate for Policy and Community Engagement at TxCOPE, Mina Chitti, gives us a rundown of the House and Senate bills that were passed and are taking effect September 1st.

ARI in the News – Axios Austin 

Our Associate Director of Policy and Community Impact, Air Britt was recently interviewed for her insight into the rising fentanyl deaths in Travis County.  Check out the news story from Axios Austin, published August 22nd.

September is almost here which means it’s time to celebrate National Recovery Month! 

Recovery Month hosts events across the nation including SAMSHA’s Rally for Recovery held in Region 6’s Oklahoma! Find events near you and around the country.

Big Texas Rally for Recovery Announces Affiliate Organizations

ARI collaborates with the Texas recovery community to coordinate the annual Big Texas Recovery Rally. The 2023 Big Texas Rally for Recovery will be hosted in multiple local communities across the state in the month of September.

SAMSHA’s new Harm Reduction Framework is available for public comment

The SAMHSA Harm Reduction Framework is the first document to comprehensively outline harm reduction and its role within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Framework will inform SAMHSA’s harm reduction activities moving forward, as well as related policies, programs, and practices. 

Texas policy updates; fentanyl abuse prevention passed, decriminalization of fentanyl strips failed

The 88th regular session of the Texas legislature concluded on May 29, 2023. Over a thousand bills related to substance use were filed during the session, concerning topics ranging from fentanyl test strips to recovery housing, fentanyl education, and Medicaid reimbursements.

Tips to Beat the Texas Heat

Check out ways to help both you and your fur babies beat the Texas heat this summer!

New paper published by ARI associates, leadership and community professionals

On June 9th, the Harm Reduction Journal published a new paper from various TxCOPE researchers along with addiction professionals on best practices in harm reduction.

Celebrating Pride and
Supporting Affirming Care

Learn more about how substance use disorder affects the LGBTQIA+ community and ways to incorporate supportive care into your addiction practice.

ARI’s James Green selected as 2023 President’s Outstanding Staff Recipient

Read more about Green’s award and his experience at ARI.

CLEAN Cause Foundation and UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work Awarded Grant from FIRST Fund

Read more about the grant and Dr. Fiona Conway’s work.