2023 - 2024 | Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
Imani Program: Faith-Driven Recovery for Culturally Diverse Communities
The opioid crisis has severely impacted Black and Latinx communities in Rhode Island, where access to effective, culturally responsive substance abuse recovery services remains limited. These communities face significant barriers, including mistrust of traditional healthcare systems, stigma, and a lack of tailored support that respects their cultural and spiritual needs. As a result, the need for a culturally competent, community-driven recovery program has become increasingly urgent.
In 2023, the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (RI BHDDH) engaged Reach as the Administrative Service Organization (ASO) for the Imani Community Recovery Program. Originally developed at Yale University and adapted from a Connecticut State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, this faith-based initiative is hosted by Black and Latinx churches. Reach led project management, financial administration, recruitment, survey creation, material adaptation, and data collection. A culturally competent recruitment strategy, including community roundtables, was implemented to engage and recruit host churches and facilitators in Black and Latinx communities. The program was tailored to fit Rhode Island’s unique cultural context, with facilitator training by Yale, and the first classes launched in August 2023.
Campaign Progress:
Despite initial challenges in trust-building and participant retention during the pilot cohort, where only one of two churches completed the 22-week program, this foundation contributed to the successes of Cohort II, which launched in April 2024 and expanded to three churches. Imani facilitators have connected participants to essential resources like housing, employment, and recovery services. The program has made significant strides, hosting guest speakers and connecting participants to vital supports, demonstrating Reach’s commitment to culturally responsive, community-driven initiatives that drive meaningful change in public health and recovery efforts.