As part of the Public Science Collaborative’s substance use recovery work, PSC conducted an environmental scan to identify clinical and non-clinical recovery resources in Iowa’s cities and towns. These community-based resource data were used to construct quantitative indexes of recovery along four dimensions, a first of its kind Recovery Ready Community Index (RRCI). PSC mapped these resources for the entire state to identify recovery resource gaps and places that enjoy a high concentration of recovery resources, including both small and large towns.
Knowing which kinds of recovery infrastructure and resources a community has allows for targeted investments to fill gaps and implement targeted programs and interventions. Using the RRCI, PSC identified 30 recovery ready communities that have the right kinds of resources to support a recovery community center.