The UTRGV Collegiate Recovery Program is reaching out to as many people as possible, offering trainings and meetings, as well as hosting events in observance of National Recovery Month.
On Tuesday in Edinburg and Wednesday in Brownsville, the program hosted open houses, with representatives from the department giving information about their services, along with soft drinks and doughnuts. Flyers listed trainings, meetings and upcoming events.
Paola Rivas, an intern for the program, said they offer weekly meetings, which take place at the University Center on the Edinburg campus.
Additionally, the program offers the campus community personal screenings if they think they may have a problem. It also provides free Naloxone training. If administered properly, Naloxone works as an overdose reversal agent. The drug can potentially save someone’s life. It is free to those who have insurance.
“We also find certain facilities, like if someone needs to be hospitalized, if someone needs inpatient treatment, or outpatient treatment. We also get them connected to other people in recovery as well,” Rivas said.
Raymond J. Salas, the part-time program coordinator, said, “I’m a recovering addict, and I was given the opportunity to get a job here. That’s why I’m very passionate about this. Saving lives is something very important to me now.”
Salas said the program can help students even if they might not be addicts. Psychology or criminal justice majors can benefit from the services.
“We offer students in recovery from addiction a chance to feel at home on campus,” said full-time program coordinator Kristina Canfield.
She explained college can sometimes be a difficult environment for someone who is trying to stay clean and sober.
“I love that we can offer them a place that is safe and comfortable for them,” Canfield said.
The program’s services are available to the general public and not just UTRGV students.
The open houses are the first of several upcoming events in observance of National Recovery Month.
For more information, visit UTRGV Counseling Services in University Center 102 or Cortez Hall 220 on the Brownsville campus.
