The University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative offers programs that deliver Recovery Support Services (RSS) to individuals with substance use disorders.
As a key component of a recovery-oriented system of care, research supports that these services play a vital role in the recovery process and are especially effective when integrated with traditional treatment.
Our Programs
Integrated Addiction Care Coordination & Essential Support Services (iACCESS)
The Integrated Addiction Care Coordination and Essential Support Services (iACCESS) Program is a telehealth network that provides infectious disease screening and treatment services for people with substance use disorders in Iowa. iACCESS serves patients who are at an increased risk for having an infectious disease, and are interested in receiving treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, or other infectious diseases.
Services include:
Screening and treatment services for HIV, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases
Recovery and Empowerment to Combat Opioids Delivered by Telehealth and Collaboration Across Iowa (RECOVER-IA)
This grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) serves individuals who have an opioid use disorder (OUD) and are early in their recovery.
It helps provide:
• Expanded access to medication for addiction treatment (MAT)
• Hygiene and care packages for patients
• Transportation and other recovery support services for patients
• Training for health care providers and pharmacists about OUD and harm reduction
Iowa Peer Engagement and Empowerment for Recovery (IA-PEER)
The IA-PEER Project is focused on expanding peer recovery support in Behavioral Health Districts 6 and 7. These grants will increase access to peer services, expand evidence-based treatment for opioid and stimulant use disorders, enhance overdose prevention, reduce health disparities, and strengthen recovery networks in underserved areas.
Recovery via E-Health for Vital Organ Intervention and Virtual Engagement — Comprehensive Addiction Recovery & Engagement in Iowa (REVIVE-CARE-IA)
The REVIVE project, for short, is a continuation of the LIVER project, headed by Dr. Weber and Dr. Wong. Eligible participants have concurrent liver or cardiac disease and a substance use disorder; there is no severity requirement as long as cardiac or liver dysfunction exists. Patients struggling with opioid, alcohol, and stimulant use are prioritized.
Resources
Supporting Teams for Addiction & Recovery (STAR)
This is a new statewide initiative funded by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services through Opioid Settlement Funding. Led by Drs. Alison Lynch, Nichole Nidey, and Heidi Wood, the STAR Project will elevate Iowa’s capacity to implement evidence-based opioid abatement strategies and improve treatment and recovery outcomes for people with or at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD) as well as other substance use disorders (SUD).
Building on UI ARC’s track record, the STAR Project focuses on bringing together and supporting teams, organizations, and communities across Iowa. Through a multi-faceted extension service, the STAR team will create opportunities for connection, learning, and collaboration among those serving and impacted by OUD and SUD. Key project goals include expanding access to MAT (focusing on MOUD), increasing the number of community-based programs that deliver or support evidence-based care, and implementing a statewide stigma reduction strategy that centers on humanizing conversations, recovery-ready workplaces, and fewer barriers to treatment.
Contact Project Coordinator Tricia Roberts (tricia-roberts@uiowa.edu) with any questions/to get involved.
Access to Naloxone
FREE Naloxone (Narcan®) in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services offers free naloxone nasal spray in Iowa for:
- Individuals in communities across the state
- On-site use at organizations, schools, and businesses
- Law enforcement and non-EMS fire personnel
- Distribution of naloxone by local organizations to community members
https://www.naloxoneiowa.org/directory
319-678-7825
Statewide Resources (IA)
Nationwide Resources
Concluded Programs
North and South Bridge Projects
Funded by Iowa’s Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these programs supported those with opioid or stimulant use disorders who were re-entering their communities after incarceration, or those on probation or parole.
Services for participants included:
• Medication for addiction treatment (MAT)
• Case management and care coordination
• Peer recovery support
• Recovery support services to reduce barriers, such as housing, transportation, clothing, and employment support
This grant funding ended in 2025.
Longitudinal Integration and Virtual Expansion of Rural Substance Use Disorder and Liver Disease Treatment in Iowa (LIVER-SUD-IA)
This grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) served Iowa patients living with both liver disease and substance use disorders (SUD), specifically alcohol or opioid use disorders, who were receiving specialty liver services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC).
Services offered included:
• Medication for addiction treatment (MAT)
• Substance use counseling and evaluation
• Mental health counseling
• Peer recovery coaching
• Case management and care coordination
• Transportation assistance
This work is still being done— check out the REVIVE grant, which is the continuation and expansion of the LIVER grant led by Drs. Carolyn Wong and Andrea Weber.
Contact Us
For questions about our programs that provide recovery support services, please email us at UIARC@healthcare.uiowa.edu.