April 10, 2026 · AzSAM
Expanding Evidence-Based Addiction Education in Arizona Correctional Facilities
AzSAM is partnering with ADCRR, the Arizona Attorney General's Office, AHCCCS, ADHS, and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive substance use disorder education curriculum for Arizona's correctional system — delivered through the Edovo digital learning platform — and is seeking member subject matter experts to help develop content.
Arizona continues to face the devastating impact of substance use disorders, particularly among justice-involved individuals, who experience some of the highest rates of overdose and overdose-related death. Nearly two-thirds of incarcerated individuals have a history of substance use disorder, and approximately 10% of opioid overdose deaths occur among individuals released from jail or prison within the previous month. These statistics highlight a critical opportunity to provide education, treatment, and recovery support before individuals return to their communities.
To address this need, AzSAM is partnering with the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR), the Arizona Attorney General's Office, AHCCCS, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and other stakeholders to expand access to evidence-based substance use disorder education throughout Arizona's correctional system. Leveraging the Edovo digital learning platform, we are developing a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as addiction neuroscience, fentanyl awareness, overdose prevention, naloxone administration, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), mental health, relapse prevention, reentry planning, and recovery support. All content will be aligned with nationally recognized addiction medicine best practices and designed to improve treatment engagement, recovery outcomes, and successful community reintegration.
This initiative also provides a meaningful opportunity for AzSAM members to contribute their expertise to a statewide effort that can positively impact thousands of Arizonans. We are actively seeking addiction specialists, nurses, psychologists, counselors, pharmacists, peer support specialists, and other subject matter experts to assist with content development and review. Members interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact AzSAM to learn more about serving as a content expert and helping shape the future of addiction education within Arizona's correctional system.