Wrapping Up Our Recovery Research:

Highlights from IRIS-Funded Pilot Projects

Addressing Stigma and Shifting Attitudes Towards OUD and MOUD 
Several projects focused on transforming how health and human service staff view OUD and MOUD. On Our Own of Maryland’s “Are You Seeing Clearly? Refocus, Look Again” anti-stigma training helped treatment providers reflect on their own attitudes toward people with OUD and those who use MOUD. The training resulted in significant reductions in stigma, with 87% also rating the workshop as excellent. Another study examined staff perceptions of telemedicine-based MOUD in correctional settings, finding that education and training can help reduce stigma and improve program acceptance. Two studies, one quantitative and one qualitative, focused on emergency department (ED)-based interventions. One assessed the impact of Mosaic Group’s Reverse the Cycle model and the other examined the impact of peer recovery in shifting beliefs and reducing stigma. Results showed how overall program implementation, and specifically peer recovery support, were each associated with positive staff attitudes towards patients with OUD. 

Empowering the Peer Workforce 
The “Peers That Count” study, led by Maryland Peer Advisory Council (MPAC), engaged nearly 500 peer recovery workers across the state to assess their needs as a workforce. Results demonstrated the need for greater professional development supports and for higher levels of financial compensation. This data provided tools for MPAC and its allies to advocate for training and policy actions to further develop and sustain the peer workforce, including expanded career ladders and salaries commensurate with peers’ significant contributions to individuals’ recovery and the recovery support system overall. 

The Importance of Housing and Employment Supports  
Supporting individuals with OUD around social determinants of health, including housing and employment, is an integral part of recovery-oriented systems of care. The “SASH (Social Work Assistance and Stipends for Housing)” study showed that providing housing stipends and case management can help people stay engaged in treatment, decrease their desire to use substances, and access resources to stay more stably housed. The PROSPER study demonstrated the promise of online videos focused on soft skills development to support the career development of peer workers and potentially, clients, too. 

Expanding Data Capacity to Track Service Utilization and Impact 

Two projects involved expanded capacity to track and enhance service delivery within and across agencies. The “Maryland Behavioral Health Solutions Recovery Support Services Data Modernization” project focused on improving data collection and coding practices across providers. Results indicated that there were service codes with untapped potential for billing that could expand agency capacity to optimally serve clients. On the single agency level, IRIS supported Voices of Hope to examine patterns of service use and treatment engagement. Results indicated phone peer support was the most utilized service. People who engaged in treatment were significantly more likely to use most services, demonstrating the importance of treatment as a pathway for clients to receive other needed supports, including additional peer recovery and transportation services.    

Conclusion and Call to Action 

The above studies, and results from all 18 of our funded pilot projects, highlight the critical role of collaboration and innovation in the recovery support sector. IRIS remains committed to enhancing this system through strong community-academic partnerships. As IRIS’s initial grant winds down in summer of 2026, let us continue seeking ways to resource valuable collaborations which advance recovery science and support the development of evidence-based practices, trainings, and policy strategies.

Implementation Policies and Priorities in Research and Training for MOUD in Recovery Residences 

Research Corner: Emerging recovery research to inform practice, policy, and further study

Recovery residences, also called recovery housing, are alcohol and illicit substance-free, safe and supportive living environments that play a key role in the continuum of care for individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). As more residents enter recovery housing with prescriptions for MOUD, many recovery residences were not originally designed with MOUD integration and lack policies and procedures to support these individuals. Historically, MOUD use was discouraged or banned due to stigma, concerns about misuse or diversion, and unclear guidance. Today, more recovery homes accept residents being treated with MOUD, and some states incentivize this practice. 

In this Research Corner, we summarize two articles providing insights into the practice and research around recovery housing for MOUD-prescribed residents. The first identifies a structured yet flexible continuum of policy approaches around MOUD in recovery housing based on 138 interviews with residents and staff across Texas Level II and III recovery homes. The second article provides a roadmap of research and training priorities in recovery housing for individuals benefitting from MOUD.

Now, New, and Upcoming 

Announcements from IRIS and the community 

Funding

CHEARR Pilot Project Funding Request for Applications 

Due: December 15 at 11:59 PM EST

Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research (CHEARR)

CHEARR is now accepting applications for pilot project funding to advance recovery science for emerging adults. These projects aim to generate innovative ideas and preliminary data that can support future NIH-funded research. While proposals broadly related to recovery support services will be considered, priority will be given to studies focused on services embedded within outpatient programs offering MOUD. Project funding is provided in differing sizes of $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000. Deadline to submit is December 15 at 11:59 PM EST, learn more. 

News 

“MD’s First Recovery Cafe Opens in West Baltimore” 

The Baltimore Times

"We envisioned this as a space where peers can come to unplug, be appreciated, and 'fill your cup,'" said Tiffinee Scott, Executive Director of Maryland-Peer Advisory Council and co-founder of Peer Wellness Station celebrating the grand opening of the Peer Wellness Station at Recovery Cafe Baltimore. Read The Baltimore Times article and learn more about the Cafe. 

Webinar

Series on Recovery Housing 

I-STARR

Registration is now open for the upcoming I-STARR webinar series on recovery housing and related topics. Starting January 20, 2026, sessions will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 2 PM EST. Topics include overdose vulnerability among people experiencing homelessness, social networks supporting MOUD, relapse factors in sober living, MOUD implementation in recovery housing, and substance use trends such as tobacco and cannabis. These FREE webinars are open to recovery housing operators, residents, providers, researchers, and anyone interested in recovery housing. Reserve your spot today. 

Funding  

Buprenorphine Training Grant Program 

Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR)

MOOR is seeking competitive applications from county governments to support training costs of paramedics in administration of buprenorphine. "Applicant governments may request up to $10,000 per county for funds to be completely utilized by June 30, 2026. A total of $50,000 is available through this grant program for the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year. Funding opportunities to support buprenorphine initiation through emergency medical services will be announced annually over the next five fiscal years.” Learn more.

Publication 

“A Mixed-Method Exploratory Assessment of Provider-Based Stigma of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Support for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Carceral Settings” 

IRIS Pilot Project

In 2019, Maryland mandated that local detention centers provide medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to eligible incarcerated individuals. However, four years later, many facilities remain noncompliant. This exploratory study used surveys and interviews with correctional professionals to examine barriers to MOUD implementation, focusing on provider-based stigma and levels of support for MOUD as potential contributing factors. Read about the project and recently published article.

Conference 

On Our Own of Maryland’s (OOOMD) 2026 Annual Conference 

May 13-14, 2026 in Ocean City, MD

OOOMD

OOOMD has announced its 2026 Annual Conference in Ocean City, Maryland. Registration will open in late 2025/early 2026. Award nominations and proposals will launch in December.