Program Description

Peer recovery support services (PRSS) are an established best practice to support the recovery processes of individuals with substance use disorders.  However, there are important scientific gaps that remain to better understand the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and effectiveness of PRSS (Bassuk et al, 2016). This research-focused ECHO program will grow a diverse workforce skilled in conducting recovery science research to address these knowledge gaps. Recovery Science ECHO participants will gain access to a network of established and emerging recovery scientists and researchers eager to collaborate and address the most pressing scientific questions of the field.

Who is this ECHO for?

• • Recovery scientists
  • Early-stage investigators, students, and trainees
  • Recovery Support Services professionals
  • Representatives of Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs)

Learning Objectives

1. Describe limitations in existing recovery science literature to inform future recovery science research efforts.
2. Identify means of improved cross-discipline communication, collaboration, and training across academic and recovery community cultures.
3. Disseminate evidence-based best practices for recovery support services.
4. Implement rigorous recovery science research designs.

Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN)

The Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio was created to help expand the science of recovery by developing a research program on Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) and Recovery Support Services (RSS).

Learn more about PRIN

Hub Team

Robert Ashford, PhD, MSW

MPI, Peer Recovery Innovation Network,
Assistant Professor
UT Health San Antonio

Subject Matter Expertise: Recovery Science, Peer Recovery Support Services, Digital Recovery Support Services, Integrated Behavioral Health Systems

Sierra Castedo de Martell, PhD, MPH

Postdoctoral Research Fellow,
JEAP Initiative,
Chestnut Health Systems

Subject Matter Expertise: Peer Workforce Development, Economic Evaluation, Program Evaluation, Peer Recovery Support Services

Emily A. Hennessy, PhD, MPhil

Associate Director of Biostatistics
Recovery Research Institute,
Massachusetts General Hospital

Subject Matter Expertise: Adolescent and Emerging Adult Recovery, Recovery Capital, Recovery High Schools, Alternative Peer Groups, Collegiate Recovery Programs

Cheryle Pacapelli, BS, CRSW

Project Director of Peer Recovery
Support Services,
Harbor Care

Subject Matter Expertise: Recovery Community Organizations/Centers, Peer Recovery Support Services, Recovery Housing