Advocacy & Policy

Advocacy & Policy

Rethinking Behavioral Health and Justice

For those of us in the recovery community, the intersection of the criminal justice system and behavioral health is an all-too-familiar reality. Too often, jails become default holding centers for individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance use disorders. In late 2025, Salt Lake County leaders engaged the Leifman Group—led by Judge Steve Leifman, renowned for his transformative work in Miami-Dade County—to evaluate local systems and provide actionable recommendations. The resulting report, outlines a roadmap for how Salt Lake County can improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and enhance outcomes for those with behavioral health needs.

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Utah’s Healthcare Safety Net: Medicaid Expansion

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, but it requires systemic support. One of the most critical factors in whether someone can sustain long-term recovery is their access to reliable healthcare. Without it, individuals often struggle to navigate the complex hurdles of treatment and rehabilitation. In Utah, Medicaid and the Targeted Adult Medicaid program serve as vital lifelines for behavioral health.

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Legislative Updates

Opioid Settlement Funds in Utah: Where is the Money Going?

In 2021, nationwide settlements were reached to resolve litigation against major pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers for their role in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic. While no amount of money can bring back the lives lost or undo the profound damage inflicted on families, these settlements provide a critical opportunity to fund life-saving resources.

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The Power of the Recovery Voter in the 2026 Elections

In November, Utahns will head to the polls. Every seat in the Utah House of Representatives and half the seats in the Utah State Senate are on the ballot. For the recovery community, the 2026 elections are not just about partisan politics; they are about protecting our lives, our health, and our futures. Here is why your vote is critical this year, and what is at stake for behavioral health in Utah.

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Honoring Lives Lost: Taking Action for 2026 International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event aimed at raising awareness, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledging the profound grief felt by families and friends. Here in Utah, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives we’ve lost, the resilience of our recovery community, and the urgent work that still lies ahead.

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Advocacy & Policy

How the “Treatment First” Toolkit Gets Recovery Wrong

A new federal framework titled Best Practices Toolkit: Addressing Homelessness and Addiction through “Treatment First” was released. When we view this toolkit through the lens of lived experience, stigma reduction, and on-the-ground behavioral health awareness, several urgent structural concerns emerge. Policies must reflect the nuanced, non-linear reality of recovery, and in several key areas, this toolkit misses the mark.

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Advocacy & Policy

Demystifying Harm Reduction and Why Utah Needs It

The term “harm reduction” often sparks debate, misunderstanding, and sometimes fear. For many, it incorrectly sounds like giving up on recovery or enabling substance use. We believe that education is the first step in dismantling stigma. When we look past the misconceptions and look at the data, the reality of harm reduction is profoundly simple: it is about meeting people exactly where they are and keeping them alive.

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We Demand Accountability for Mental Health Parity

For thousands of Utahns, instead of a clear path to care, they are met with a labyrinth of prior authorizations, arbitrarily denied claims, and “fail first” policies that require them to try cheaper, less effective treatments before getting the help they actually need. This isn’t just frustrating; it’s life-threatening. And what’s worse? It’s illegal.

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Your Story is Your Superpower: How to Testify at the Utah Capitol

Too often, decisions are made by people who have never experienced the realities of substance use disorder or mental health challenges. It is time to change that. Your lived experience isn’t just your past—it is your political power. Sharing your story in a committee hearing is one of the most effective ways to hold lawmakers accountable and ensure our community’s needs are met.

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Advocacy & Policy

Beyond Our Own Recovery: Why Advocacy Matters

Recovery from mental health and substance use conditions is a deeply personal journey, often requiring immense courage and resilience. However, the impact of recovery extends far beyond the individual. It holds the power to transform communities, challenge systemic barriers, and shape a more compassionate future for everyone. This is precisely why the active participation of people in recovery in advocacy and public policy efforts is not just beneficial—it’s absolutely essential.

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