MEEKER | A portion of Colorado’s opioid settlement funding will help expand recovery services in Rio Blanco County through the addition of a peer recovery specialist.
In May, the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council awarded $11 million to 24 organizations and local governments statewide to expand treatment and recovery services related to opioid use disorder.
Among the recipients was The Health Partnership, a community-based nonprofit serving northwest Colorado. The organization will use opioid settlement funding to support a peer recovery specialist who will serve Rio Blanco County residents.
According to Recovery Program Manager Nele Cashmore, The Health Partnership serves as a hub connecting individuals with services and resources across multiple programs at no cost.
“There is no insurance requirement or other qualifiers,” Cashmore said.
The peer recovery specialist will provide one-on-one support for individuals seeking treatment, as well as coaching, recovery support and information about available resources.
“This is the beginning stages of building out a program here locally,” Cashmore said.
The funding comes as the Northwest Colorado Opioid Response Council, which serves Rio Blanco, Moffat and Routt counties, recently secured $500,000 for emergency response, mobile solutions and peer-led transportation services.
In neighboring communities, The Health Partnership also offers free naloxone training and distribution, along with recovery-centered events designed to provide safe, sober spaces for community members. Activities include movie nights, barbecues, yoga sessions and coffee hours.
Individuals seeking information about available services or resources can call 970-875-3630 or complete a contact form at The Health Partnership’s website.
“The contact form is where people can self-refer or where partners and agencies can help refer clients,” Cashmore said.
Additional information is available through The Health Partnership.
