Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Overdose Response - Butterfly Rain New Beginnings is seeking funding to establish the first-ever recovery house for women in Delaware County, Oklahoma, a region severely underserved in both mental health and substance use treatment services. Currently, there are no dedicated recovery housing options for women in the area, making it nearly impossible for those struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid addiction to access safe, stable housing and recovery resources. This gap in services has exacerbated the challenges women face in rebuilding their lives after substance abuse, often leaving them without a place to stay or the necessary support to overcome addiction. By establishing a women’s recovery home with a minimum of 10 beds, EmpowHER: Women’s Recovery Housing Initiative, aims to fill this critical need and provide a safe, supportive environment for women in recovery. The project will also include the purchase and distribution of harm reduction supplies, such as naloxone and fentanyl test strips, to increase access to essential tools for overdose prevention. Additionally, the program will train and certify 10 women in recovery as Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), helping to create job opportunities and provide peer-based support for others facing similar struggles. Through these efforts, EmpowHER: Women’s Recovery Housing Initiative aims to establish a comprehensive, sustainable network of support services to help women overcome addiction and reintegrate into society. The program will also address the urgent need for transportation services, ensuring that at least 10 individuals can access essential services such as recovery appointments, medical care, court hearings, and employment. Delaware County has faced alarming statistics regarding substance use and overdose deaths. Between 2019 and 2023, the county recorded 31 overdose deaths and 143 nonfatal overdoses, with significant financial impacts on the healthcare system. The lack of local recovery housing options and the shortage of mental health and substance use professionals have left many individuals without the support they need, further exacerbating the overdose crisis. As a region designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Delaware County has one of the highest incarceration rates in the state, with a growing population of women facing re-entry into society after incarceration. This demographic faces additional hurdles in accessing services and finding housing, especially when recovery housing options are non-existent. This project will not only address these urgent gaps in services but will also provide long-term support for women in recovery, reducing recidivism rates, improving community health outcomes, and strengthening the overall well-being of the population. By launching this first-of-its-kind women’s recovery house, EmpowHER: Women’s Recovery Housing Initiative aims to create a sustainable, supportive environment for women in recovery while building a strong network of mental health, social services, and community partnerships. This project represents a critical step toward addressing the ongoing substance use crisis in Delaware County and providing individuals with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.
