Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) was honored to participate in the inaugural launch of the University of Southern California’s substance use disorder counseling (SUD) certification program, RecoverUSC. This landmark event marked a significant advancement in SUD counseling certification through the State of California, highlighting a major stride in combating substance abuse and enhancing community health.
About RecoverUSC
“RecoverUSC provides a pathway for current students in pursuit of a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Addiction Science (MAS), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors through the State of California.
Through a grant provided by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), this program provides each participant with a minimum of $20,000 stipend to cover the cost of additional coursework approved by the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE).
This initiative is dedicated to creating more qualified, motivated, Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors in a landscape where the need for representation, expertise, and compassion is great. RecoverUSC is a partnership between the USC Institute for Addiction Science and the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work with inter-professional collaboration at its core, fostering a holistic understanding of substance use and recovery.”
Event Highlights: Keynote and Training Sessions
The keynote address by Dr. Brian Hurley, Medical Director for Substance Abuse Prevention and Control at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, was a defining feature of the event. Dr. Hurley provided deep insights into the current challenges and innovative strategies in SUD treatment and prevention, offering attendees an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of public health. Complementing this, a standout session at the event was the free Narcan and fentanyl test strip training, which is vital in combating opioid overdoses. This training equipped attendees, many of whom are future healthcare professionals, with crucial life-saving skills, underscoring the practical impact of the event on public health practices.
Networking and Connections
The event also provided a unique platform for networking, where organizers and attendees connected with partner agency representatives, such as SMRS. These interactions are vital for building professional relationships and understanding the broader landscape of the SUD counseling field.
Representing Social Model Recovery Systems at the event was Dr. Anna Lee, our Director of Innovation. A proud alumna of USC, Dr. Lee holds both a Master of Social Work and a Doctor of Social Work from the university. Her role involves spearheading innovative projects that enhance our services, making her insights especially relevant to the current and upcoming professionals at the event.
The RecoverUSC event was not only a learning opportunity but also a celebration of community and commitment to public health. We are excited about the future collaborations and initiatives that will spring from this gathering and look forward to continuing our active role in shaping the field of recovery.
