FOR Utah advocates for a comprehensive public policy approach to support recovery. Our work is guided by the following principles, from which we develop our specific legislative agenda each year. We believe in a future where policy creates pathways, not barriers, to wellness and opportunity.
Enforcing Mental Health & Substance Use Parity: Championing legislation and regulatory oversight to ensure insurers cover care for mental health and substance use conditions equitably and as required by law.
Increasing Treatment & Recovery Capacity: Advocating for robust public funding to expand the full continuum of care, from crisis services and treatment to peer support and recovery community centers.
Supporting a Diverse and Thriving Workforce: Promoting policies that attract and retain a qualified workforce of clinical providers, peer support specialists, and recovery professionals.
Investing in Recovery Housing: Securing state funding and advocating for sensible zoning reforms to ensure every Utahn has access to safe, stable, and certified recovery residences.
Integrating Peer Support Services: Working to embed certified peer support specialists across all systems of care, including healthcare, justice, and child welfare systems.
Supporting Families and Caregivers: Advocating for resources and policies that recognize and support the critical role of family members and loved ones in the recovery journey.
Championing Evidence-Based Prevention: Promoting investment in proven prevention programs in schools and communities to support youth and family well-being.
Expanding Access to Life-Saving Tools: Advocating for policies that prioritize saving lives by increasing the availability of naloxone and other evidence-based strategies.
Advancing a Public Health Approach: Working to shift from a punitive, criminal-legal response to a health-centered approach for substance use and mental health conditions.
Removing Barriers to Employment: Championing “second chance” hiring policies and occupational licensing reforms that allow qualified individuals in recovery to secure meaningful employment.
Ending Discrimination: Advocating for robust anti-discrimination protections in housing, education, and public life for individuals with a history of substance use or mental health conditions.
Protecting Individual Freedom and Autonomy: Opposing compulsory and coercive treatment and ensuring that all pathways to recovery are respected and supported by state policy.
