Today, I am signing this support statement to advance the development of collegiate recovery programs across Florida. I support a future where collegiate recovery support is an essential component in Florida.

Collegiate Recovery Support entails creating a nurturing environment within campus culture that encourages and facilitates a lifestyle of recovery from substance use. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities that bolster students behavioral health and resilience alongside their pursuit of recovery.

I support initiatives and legislation that seek to bridge the gaps in recovery support services on college campuses, ensure that students struggling with
substance use disorders receive the assistance they need, address the challenges faced by students, create a supportive environment for Florida student's recovery journeys.

It is important that this be an accessible resource to students and something that is funded to help students in recovery thrive.

It would be beneficial to establish a grant program by the Board of Governors to support the creation of collegiate recovery services in higher education institutions.
Grants could fund various aspects of recovery support, including organizational efforts, meeting spaces, student awareness initiatives, recovery-oriented activities, and ongoing support identification.

Collegiate Recovery Programs in Florida can align with the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) standards that suggests Qualified professionals offering dedicated support services and promotes a range of recovery support services to safeguard student's recovery and focuses on students in recovery as the central aspect of these programs.

Supportive and dedicated physical spaces for peer support and community building can be a reality on campuses across Florida.

I am signing this support statement today and endorsing the efforts to establish comprehensive collegiate recovery programs that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of students facing substance use disorders.

I hope that my support will contribute to decision makers making it possible to foster a healthier, more resilient community and promote successful academic and personal journeys for those in recovery.

Collegiate recovery support should be an essential component of Florida's higher education landscape.