Faulkner Recovery and Empowerment Expansion for Community (FREE-C) Project

The Faulkner Recovery and Empowerment Expansion for Community (FREE-C) Project aims to implement a whole-person, community-based network for people with substance use disorders (SUD) in Faulkner County, Arkansas. Through the project, the team will work together to increase access to peer support, transportation, housing, and clinical services while cultivating a diverse coalition of community services (clinical and non-clinical) to better serve the needs of people with SUD and prevent SUD. Funding from BJA will support delivery of services to people who are justice-involved within the county. However, the team anticipates expanding the model and services to the general community with SUD concerns after demonstration of efficacy through FREE-C. Faulkner County will partner with the Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network as a subrecipient to facilitate network development and harm reduction strategies while supporting evaluation. The FREE-C Project will substantially enhance the environment for prevention, treatment, and recovery within Faulkner County through enhanced access to services, coordination of care and supports, and intentional multi-agency collaboration.