24 WE ARE BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES Peer Recovery Peer recovery coaches are individuals who use their own lived experience with addiction and recovery to support others who are facing similar challenges. ARH employs peer recovery coaches across the system to screen patients and help those struggling with substance use dis- orders (SUD). In 2024, ARH peer recovery coaches successfully completed 5,523 initial brief interventions. Additionally, 892 patients with SUD were referred to treatment, including inpatient residential and out- patient services. Remarkably, 98 percent of those referred — 876 individuals — re- mained in treatment for at least 30 days. ARH peer recovery coaches also pro- vided prevention education at various events and distributed Naloxone in high- risk areas known for drug use. They also conducted Naloxone training for col- leges, employers and local businesses to help equip the community with the tools needed to address opioid overdoses. Save a Life Roadshow ARH partnered with the Department of Public Health to organize the Safe a Life Roadshow in 10 communities. Each event took place off-site at large department stores or festivals, and ARH Peer Support Specialists attended where possible. At each event, participants were trained to administer Narcan, offered treatment and recovery referrals, provided test- ing for Hep C and HIV, offered fentanyl testing strips, smoking/vaping cessation options, and more. Nearly 900 doses of Narcan were distributed at these events, and 247 clinical tests were completed. Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized training that teaches partic- ipants to recognize and assist patients, caregivers, coworkers, or their own fam- ilies that may be in mental distress or struggling with addiction challenges. ARH has a goal of certifying a minimum of 10 percent of our workforce in Mental Health First Aid and hosts on-site train- ings that are free to employees and the public. Since 2023, 400 employees have been certified. Meeting People Where They Are Preventive care, such as screenings, vaccinations, and health education, plays a critical role in maintaining good health and reducing the risk of illness. In order to make our communities healthier, we must meet people where they are. Throughout this year, the Community Development team has fo- cused on bringing education and clinical screenings to places where people work, worship, shop, and play. Highlights in- clude: • Community Development and Neu- rology partnered to create a new stroke education and screening program called Strike Out Stroke. This stroke screening and education event took place at base- ball fields, where ARH staff provided stroke risk screenings and education. • In February and March, ARH visited 8 schools to provide lunch, cancer or heart disease prevention education, and clinical screenings to teachers during their work- day. ARH also partnered with the John- son County Health Department to pro- vide Johnson County teachers and school staff with the first Heart Healthy Dinner and Comedy Show featuring comedian June Coleson. • ARH continues to work with fitness centers and instructors to provide health education in tandem with physical activ- ity. Partners include Think Pink at Foxy Fitness, Beauty Within Yoga Studio, and local gyms which provide free member- ships to ARH employees. • Outreach to the faith-based communi- ty, such as ARH’s Prayer and Prevention program, provides lifestyle change and prevention education inside local church- es, often before or after usual services.
