Explore our Roadmap to Improve Substance Use Services
We are laying the foundation for a new community-informed system of care in Travis County.
Phase 1: Convene Advisory Group Phase
During this phase, we will establish the Advisory Group, a group of individuals with ties to the substance use community in Travis County. This group will:
Recruit and Train Community Ambassadors
Community ambassadors are trusted community members whose goal is to incorporate community voices into substance use planning. Community ambassadors act as connectors between the Steering Group and the community.
Convene Community Conversations
The Advisory Group will convene 1 large and 6 small Community Conversations. Information learned through these conversations will inform the action plan to improve services and support to those impacted by substance use.
Phase 2: Convene SU Consortium Steering Committee
During this phase, the Steering Committee will begin developing the substance use continuum and substance use plan. Throughout this process, they will also provide updates to the public. This group will:
First Annual Consortium
The Substance Use Steering Committee with coordinate the first Substance Use consortium to begin work on the action plan.
Draft the Substance Use Continuum and Plan
Applying the insights and wisdom gathered through the convene process, the Steering Committee will draft the Substance Use Continuum and Plan,.
Gather Community Feedback
The Steering Committee will convene the second annual Substance Use Consortium, as well as 6 small Community Conversations to gather feedback on the Continuum and Plan.
Present Final Substance Use Plan
The final Substance Use Plan will be presented to the public.
About Our Partners
Communities for Recovery
Communities for Recovery is an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use through peer-driven recovery services and community connection. Communities for Recovery brings deep expertise in harnessing the power of lived experience to foster healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. With programs that center peer support, mentorship, education, and wellness, the organization creates spaces where recovery is celebrated and sustained. Guided by values of hope, compassion, and empowerment, Communities for Recovery builds bridges across systems and communities, ensuring that people affected by substance use have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Cardea
Cardea is a national nonprofit organization committed to advancing health and well-being through connection and collaboration. Cardea brings people and ideas together to move beyond siloed approaches and toward integrative, community-centered solutions. Grounded in an understanding of the interconnectedness of people and the environments in which they live, learn, work, and play, Cardea uses a holistic approach that bridges gaps across systems and sectors. By centering lived experience and the values of collective humanity, compassion, collaboration, and innovation, Cardea addresses complex issues to create sustainable change that uplifts and strengthens communities and drives meaningful impact.
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