A substance use disorder is a medical condition where someone uses one or more substances like painkillers, drugs or alcohol, that negatively impact their life. It’s a brain-based disorder, not a character flaw. Substance use disorder affects people of all ages, from all walks of life.

As the opioid epidemic continues to impact so many, we want to recognize all the dedicated service providers and organizations across our community who are working to improve access to the system of substance use care in Austin-Travis County. We are grateful to live in a community where there are many organizations that are committed to this work and therefore many different care options for those struggling with an opioid addiction – wherever they are on their own road to recovery. Integral Care is proud to offer several substance use disorder treatment programs to support our community. The services they provide include outpatient care, counseling, prevention education, peer support, medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, psychiatric medications, group therapy and connection to other community supports.

Suicide prevention is another area in which we know we are stronger as a collective. Integral Care, alongside Ascension-Seton, is proud to lead the Austin-Central Texas Suicide Prevention Coalition, which is a collaboration of local government agencies, healthcare providers, schools and community-based organizations working to reduce suicides through advocacy efforts, implementation of evidence-based strategies and trainings for schools, mental health service providers and the community. On Wednesday, September 28th at noon, we invite you to join us for a Spanish Community Forum – Meaningful Steps to Preventing Suicide Among Latinx Youth, co-presented with NAMI Central Texas. Experts from across Travis County will discuss stigma related to mental health and suicide in the Latinx culture, signs and symptoms of suicide, how to create a safe space to talk to youth about suicide, and more – all from a Latinx perspective. Prevention is possible. Register here.

The last few years have taken a toll on many of us – physically, mentally and emotionally – but I am hopeful now more than ever that when we work together, healing can happen. Recovery from a substance use disorder is possible and suicide is preventable. As we look to the future, one thing is undeniable – access to substance use treatment, mental health support and suicide prevention services save lives and help people reach their full potential.

David Evans
Chief Executive Officer