Substance use disorder has a devastating and widespread impact across our Kansas City community. Last year, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses, according to the CDC. In a recent study by WalletHub, Missouri ranked 8th worst in the nation for drug-related issues and rehab, with Kansas close behind at 14th.
We’ve seen the impact of this crisis at United Way. Over the past year, community resource navigators at 211, our 24/7 resource and referral line, have responded to nearly 400 calls in the past 18 months from individuals looking for help connecting to substance use treatment programs for themselves or a loved one.
It’s why United Way currently invests in 17 organizations that work directly with individuals on their road to recovery, and why we recently joined forces with BarkleyOKRP and the city of Kansas City, Mo. on a fentanyl overdose awareness campaign. Learn more about Unfinished Legacies here.
While substance use recovery is a deeply personal journey, having a supportive community—whether from nonprofit recovery centers, local support groups, or friends and family—offers the safety and connection that can help someone stay on track and rebuild trust. In recognition of Substance Use Awareness Month, marked during the month of October, we spoke with several Impact 100 organizations about the power of community in the substance use recovery space.
“Nothing done in recovery is done alone,” said Erin Hestand, Adult Empowerment Manager at Amethyst Place. “In recovery, it’s really important that you help build healthier relationships within a community of like-minded people that want the same thing.”
Building a strong network of support can prove essential. Bailey Beauchamp, Recovery Advocate at First Call shared, “I have noticed that one of the biggest determinants of whether a person can be successful in their recovery is if they have different levels of community support to utilize.”
With a layered support system, individuals seeking help can receive the guidance and stability needed as they navigate their recovery journey. “I think it is essential individuals have a mentor, a sponsor, and ongoing therapist, or a very trusted individual to continue to provide support and guidance when needed,” said Rachelle Smith, Clinical Services Manager at reStart.
Understanding where an individual is in their journey is essential for developing a unique recovery plan that addresses their unique needs. With treatment may come a need for other services, such as mental health, housing, education and/or employment to name a few.
“Someone’s substance use recovery cannot be addressed fully unless their basic needs are also met,” said Beauchamp.
To provide wraparound services, local nonprofits like First Call work with other organizations to provide a holistic approach to care. Healing House partners with member organizations of the Kansas City Recovery Coalition and many other local agencies like Swope Health to provide medical and mental health services.
Understanding addiction as a medical condition is crucial in shifting the way we approach treatment and recovery. “It is a medical issue, similar to a broken leg, depression, or something else that deserves dignity and support to overcome,” said Marisa Butler, Substance Use Prevention Specialist at reStart.
By treating addiction as a health issue, we can better understand the importance of offering continuous care and support throughout the recovery process. “Grace for recovery is huge, because it is a whole new learning process. You’re literally learning how to live life, brand new with old behaviors,” said Hestand.
The Stages of Change in substance use recovery include: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, action, maintenance, and relapse. However, recovery is not a linear journey and looks different for everyone.
Michael Liimatta, Chief Operating Officer at Healing House said, “Ninety percent of Healing House staff members are people who are in recovery ourselves. Forty-five or 55 staff members have come through the program. Knowing all that we have received through getting on the road to recovery, it motivates us to help others.”
Importantly, the demand for substance use recovery services is greater than the resources that exist in our local community, highlighting the importance of awareness and advocating for funding support. “The biggest challenge is that there are more people seeking help than there are resources available, especially when it comes to quality supportive recovery housing. Healing House has a three-week waiting list for the men’s homes,” said Liimatta.
Transportation, lack of access, cost, treatment wait times, treatment disqualification or being discharged for breaking abstinence, and negative public stigma are some other challenges that create barriers to recovery. Addressing these barriers require not only community awareness but also sustained financial support from donors and organizations to ensure recovery programs can continue providing essential services.
“If we didn’t have our community’s support, the lights would be off. Right now, Amethyst Place serves 37 families at any one time. Those are whole families. That’s a family that has a home, that has dinner on the table, that has supports, that has an entire community built-in ready for them, and that’s through the help of donors and United Way,” shared Hestand.
Beauchamp shared, “Through this support, First Call is able to provide our recovery services free of charge. We are very unique in our program in that we do not require abstinence to access or to continue to use our recovery services so without our types of services, many individuals could go without any support.”
Butler shared, “I see the difference it makes every day, whether it be the ability to purchase a mobility device for someone, giving someone clothing and comfort items when they arrive, etc. The ability to make people feel cared for and safe is the first step in meeting the other challenges they face.”
You can make a difference by learning more about United Way Impact 100 partners who are driving meaningful change in the substance use recovery space. To support this cause with a donation, visit here.
To learn more about our partnership in the Unfinished Legacies project and locate free Narcan or Naloxone near you, visit here.