Expand recovery services and mobilize resources in south-central NH communities, improve access to services enhancing long-term recovery outcomes, educate people on addiction, and reduce stigma. - Reality Check is a 501c3 nonprofit in Jaffrey, NH applying for the Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR) grant (NOFO No. TI-22-014) to mobilize and connect community-based resources to improve the quality of long-term recovery support for people with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. Reality Check will work to enhance and expand current recovery services and grow networks within the Greater Monadnock Region of south-central New Hampshire with the goal of reducing stigma and increasing access to comprehensive peer recovery support services using collaboration, public outreach, education, training, and resource dissemination. Reality Check is the current recipient of a 4-year SAMHSA grant, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP ACT), and a 5-year Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Drug-Free Communities grant. These two funding sources allows Reality Check to provide prevention education to school districts and the communities they serve to prevent youth and adult alcohol and other drug use. Reality Check is governed by a board of directors, half of whom are in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, and staffed by 4 women, 3 of whom are in recovery. Research shows providing evidence-based recovery supports and comprehensive interventions increases the likelihood of successful and long-term recovery and reduces the likelihood of relapse and setbacks. BCOR funds will enable us to continue offering and expand current peer recovery support services and programs which currently include supported referrals to: in- and out-patient treatment, medication-assisted recovery, in-person and tele-health drug and alcohol and mental health counseling, needed peripheral resources for housing, employment, childcare, transportation, legal help, and family reunification support. Reality Check provides recovery coaching, support groups, telephone support services, brief assessments and crisis intervention, policies and procedures modification support, and addiction training and presentations both at our Recovery Center and onsite for employers, school districts, and other community organizations and recovery centers. Annually, Reality Check provides the Recovery Coach Training Series which includes the 5-day Recovery Coach Academy, 2-day Recovery Ethics, 1-day Motivational Interviewing, 1-day Suicide Prevention, 1-day HIV/AIDS Prevention, and the Recovery Coach 2.0 as well as application support for graduates to secure the NH Certified Recovery Support Worker credential. Reality Check provides presentations to employers, schools, and community organizations which include Addiction 101, Signs & Symptoms of Use, Language & Stigma, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Responsive Services, and Narcan Administration, as well as a website link to SAMHSA's Center for Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions online courses. Services are evidence-based and reflect region-wide identified community needs. To reach populations most impacted by addiction, improve access to services, and enhance long-term recovery outcomes, Reality Check partners with statewide recovery community organizations, treatment centers, Cheshire County House of Corrections and drug court, regional employers, college systems, and the health and medical field. The Building Communities of Recovery grant aligns perfectly with the mission, vision, and philosophy of Reality Check, and we look forward to collectively making positive change.
