Building Culturally & Linguistically Specific Recovery Community Organizations For Latinos

In February of 2021 with a small grant from the local health authority, the NW Instituto Latino de Adicciones (NWIL), opened the first and still only one of its kind culturally and linguistically specific Recovery Community Organization for Latinos in Oregon. This project was the culmination of years of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteer Latinx recovery support professionals (Counselors, Peers, Case Managers) that shared one mission, to better meet the specific recovery needs of the Latino community in Oregon. Success was not ensured, but within 7 weeks of opening the Recovery Drop-In Center had 14 culturally and linguistically specific mutual aid/support groups, had over 900 visitors come through the door, had engaged over 32 clients in formal recovery support/peer mentoring, and had become a hub for the Latino recovery community in the area. This presentation will talk about how we did what we did, what we learned about launching this project and what we think can help others launch similar projects. 

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