Lake Village, AR – The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP) is proud to announce new funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to broaden peer recovery initiatives in collaboration with Adult Treatment Drug Courts in rural Arkansas. The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership’s new five-year, $2M project goes beyond recovery services - addressing key areas that impact daily life and health. It offers training and resources to help clients, healthcare workers, and community partners understand SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery. Additionally, it supports clients with job assistance, health insurance, housing, and financial resources to promote stability. Providing transportation for healthcare appointments and advocating for better local infrastructure helps overcome access barriers. Notably, this project aims to build strong community support by reducing stigma, engaging families, and offering support groups and mentorship for sustained recovery.
Since 2021, the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership has partnered with drug courts in Monticello and Dewitt, Arkansas - offering recovery-focused alternatives to incarceration for individuals with substance use charges. Over 3,000 individuals have received essential peer support and therapeutic services through this initiative- emphasizing the impact of collaborative efforts.
According to Lynn Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer of ARHP and the project director for this initiative, "This grant provides an excellent opportunity to partner with the Drew County Adult Drug Court and Arkansas County Southern District Adult Speciality Court to incorporate Peer Recovery Specialists into both court programs. With the fiver-year grant span for this project, ARHP and its partners will have data to reflect the impact this project will make in the lives of those affected."
Judge Robert Gibson of Ashley County commended the role of Peer Recovery Specialists, stating, “Peer Recovery Specialists bring invaluable lived experience and understanding to the courtroom when working with those struggling with substance use disorder. Their unique perspective helps connect individuals with resources essential to sustained recovery. This five-year grant is a significant step towards establishing a sustainable and impactful program, and it gives us the leverage to advocate for ongoing funding and further expand these services.”
Judge Park Eldridge of Arkansas County added, “The District Court of South Arkansas is honored to partner with ARHP to combat addiction in rural communities. Our specialty court program could not operate and provide Peer Recovery Support services without ARHP. Having Peer Recovery Support Specialists in the courtroom provides a vital support system, aiding individuals in navigating both recovery and the court system.”
“Since 2008, the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership has led initiatives to improve health access and provide services for residents in rural Arkansas. While ARHP continues to provide direct services for our twenty-one healthcare organizations, we will continue to support our community organizations and partners," stated Mellie Boagni, CEO, President, & Founder of ARHP.
For more information about the organization’s substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, visit https://www.arruralhealth.org/arhp-initiatives/living-free-substance-use. For media inquiries, contact Mellie Boagni, ARHP Founder, President & CEO at mellie@arruralhealth.org.
About the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership
Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP) is a non-profit healthcare organization, which currently includes 19 rural hospitals, 2 federally qualified health centers, and 3 medical teaching institutions. Initiatives aim to improve the health and wellness of rural residents, build a health workforce pipeline, sustain rural hospitals, and strengthen rural economies. The organization is the largest healthcare service provider in South Arkansas, serves as a hub for economic growth and development across the region, and is a voice for rural health entities across Arkansas and beyond. Visit https://www.arruralhealth.org/ for more information about the organization.
