top of page

Uniting and Empowering the
Recovery Community

Designated Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs)

Currently, there are four designated Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) in the state of Arkansas:​

AARCO stands for the Arkansas Alliance of Recovery-Centered Organizations.  It is a network of new, emerging, and established recovery and wellness organizations.  Its goal is to expand support networks and strengthen collaboration between organizations to improve community health and recovery outcomes.

As true Allies, we unite in a bond of shared experience and a desire to improve lives in our communities. To that end, AARCO links recovery centered organizations and their leaders with local, state, and national allies through networking opportunities and shared resources.

RCO Definition

A recovery community organization or recovery centered organization is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by the local recovery community that does a multiple combination of the following activities available to all community members and not restricted to individuals enrolled in specific educational, treatment, or residential programs.

  • Conduct ongoing local recovery support needs assessment surveys or focus groups

  • Organize recovery-focused policy and advocacy activities

  • Increase recovery workforce capacity and expertise through training and education

  • Carry out recovery-focused outreach programs to engage people seeking recovery, in recovery, or in need of recovery-focused support services or events to educate and raise public awareness

  • Conduct recovery-focused public and professional events

  • Provide peer recovery support services (PRSS)

  • Support the development of recovery support institutions (e.g., education-based recovery support programs, recovery community centers, recovery cafes, recovery ministries, recovery-focused employment programs, recovery-focused prison reentry programs, etc.)

  • Host local, regional, and national recovery celebration events

  • Collaborate on the integration of recovery-focused activities within local prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, and treatment initiatives

​

Currently funded through a Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, State Opioid Response grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.

bottom of page