In March 2026, Convene hosted a community conversation for the Black community focused on experiences accessing substance use services and recovery support in Travis County. Participants shared honest reflections about the challenges people face when trying to access care, the programs and approaches that are working well, and opportunities to build more responsive, community-driven systems of support.

Participants described how accessing substance use services can often feel discouraging and frustrating. Many spoke about increased barriers to obtaining support, including insurance limitations, delays in receiving services, and a lack of government-funded resources for low-income individuals. Community members also reflected on the loss of programs that were previously viewed as accessible and welcoming.

At the same time, participants identified several strengths within the current system. Community members noted an increased focus on trauma-informed services. Participants also recognized growing efforts to include people with lived experience in advocacy and program development, while emphasizing that there is still important work to be done to ensure these voices are meaningfully centered.

Throughout the conversation, participants discussed areas where services continue to fall short. Long wait times for assessments and follow-up calls were described as major barriers that can increase the risk of returning to substance use. Others spoke about distrust in systems that continue collecting surveys and community feedback without visible action or change. Participants also shared experiences of racism and mistreatment while attempting to access treatment and emphasized the importance of creating services that feel respectful, compassionate, and trustworthy.

The conversation highlighted a strong desire for more community-driven and peer-led approaches. Participants discussed the value of people with lived experience leading outreach efforts, engaging directly with individuals who need support, and helping systems better reflect the realities people face every day. Community members emphasized the need for approaches that build trust, reduce stigma, and create stronger personal connections to care and recovery support.

Participants also shared several ideas for improving services and increasing long-term stability. Suggestions included developing bridge programs that connect individuals to employment or education opportunities, creating partnerships with employers willing to hire people with criminal records or gaps in employment history, and expanding scholarships for trade schools and community colleges. Community members also discussed the need for expanded peer support services, stronger stigma reduction efforts, and more intensive training for law enforcement on interacting with individuals experiencing substance use disorders.

The conversation also explored who may be missing out on receiving support in Travis County. Participants identified Black community members, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals living far from service providers as groups who often face additional barriers to accessing care. Participants emphasized that outreach efforts are not always reaching high-population areas and that many people struggle to access support simply because they do not know what services are available or how to connect with them.

Throughout the discussion, participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of accountability and follow-through. Community members expressed hope that conversations centered around the Black community will continue and that the feedback gathered through these discussions will lead to meaningful action and visible change.

Key Takeaways

• Community members described substance use services as difficult to navigate due to insurance limitations, delays in care, and a lack of accessible resources.
• Participants emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care, peer support, and including people with lived experience in advocacy and program development.
• Long wait times, distrust in systems, and experiences of racism and mistreatment were identified as ongoing barriers to care.
• Community members highlighted the need for more employment pathways, education opportunities, stigma reduction efforts, and peer-led outreach approaches.
• Participants stressed the importance of accountability, follow-through, and ensuring that community feedback leads to meaningful action and system change.