COLLABORATE
COLLABORATE
About
COLLABORATE (COLLectively Arranging and Bringing Optimized Recovery and Addiction Training and Education) is a University of Utah project dedicated to improving education and training related to substance use disorders (SUDs) for future healthcare professionals. Through innovative learning experiences, clinical training opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration, COLLABORATE prepares medical students, physician assistant students, nurse practitioner students, and others to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
The project brings together faculty, students, community partners, healthcare organizations, and Certified Peer Support Specialists with lived experience in recovery to create meaningful learning opportunities that improve health outcomes and strengthen the future healthcare workforce.
Why This Project Matters
Substance use disorders affect individuals, families, and communities across Utah and the nation. Yet many healthcare professionals receive limited training in addiction prevention, identification, treatment, recovery support, and stigma reduction during their education. At the same time, many rural, tribal, and underserved communities face significant barriers to accessing specialty addiction care.
Healthcare professionals are often on the front lines of identifying and treating SUDs. By equipping students with knowledge, skills, and real-world experience early in their training, COLLABORATE helps prepare the next generation of clinicians to deliver effective, person-centered care wherever they practice. The project emphasizes treatment as part of whole-person healthcare and promotes recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches to care.
What We're Doing
COLLABORATE is developing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary SUD education program that includes
Monthly Project ECHO Learning Sessions
Through the University of Utah's Project ECHO model, students and faculty can participate in monthly case-based learning sessions led by experts and community partners. These sessions provide opportunities to discuss real-world clinical challenges, share best practices, and learn from colleagues across disciplines and settings.
The Substance Use Disorder Educational ECHO Series is starting October 23rd! See the flyer for more information.
Interactive Online Learning Modules
Students will have access to engaging, evidence-based learning modules that cover prevention, screening, assessment, treatment, recovery support, overdose and disease prevention, co-occurring mental and physical health conditions, and medications for SUDs. The curriculum is designed to be practical, clinically relevant, and accessible through Canvas LMS.
Clinical Training Experiences
Students will participate in clinical rotations, observerships, and shadowing opportunities in specialty addiction treatment settings and integrated primary care programs. These experiences may occur in rural, tribal, and underserved communities, helping students better understand the unique needs of diverse populations across Utah.
Learning from Lived Experience
Certified Peer Support Specialists play a central role in the project by helping develop curriculum, participating in training sessions, supporting students during clinical experiences, and sharing the lived experience of recovery. Their perspectives help students better understand recovery, resilience, and the importance of reducing stigma.
Resources for Students, Faculty, and Community Learners
COLLABORATE is creating an online hub where users can access educational material, upcoming ECHO sessions, and other resources related to substance use disorder care and recovery. New curriculum materials developed through the project will be freely accessible to support learning beyond the University of Utah.
Visit the USARA webpage for more resources
Our Vision
We envision a future where every healthcare professional feels confident and prepared to address substance use disorders as part of routine clinical care. By strengthening education, expanding clinical experiences, and fostering collaboration across disciplines and communities, COLLABORATE aims to improve access to high-quality SUD care and support healthier communities throughout Utah and beyond.
Project Director - Elizabeth Howell, MD
Project Coordinator - Allison Bustamante