Building Connections, Breaking Stigma: MIRA Welcomes RECONNECTED Foundation on the Bus

At MIRA, we believe that health starts with connection.

Access to care is about more than appointments, resources, and services—it is about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. That is why partnerships with community organizations are at the heart of our mission. When we come together, we can better understand the challenges our neighbors face and build a healthier, more connected Eagle County.

Recently, MIRA welcomed the RECONNECTED Foundation aboard our mobile health bus to learn more about their work, their mission, and the critical role they play in supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges.

RECONNECTED Foundation is a local recovery community organization dedicated to empowering individuals in or seeking recovery through peer support, community connection, education, and efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. Their work recognizes that recovery is not a journey people take alone—it is strengthened through relationships, belonging, and ongoing support.

The visit created an opportunity for our teams to connect, share resources, and explore how our missions overlap. MIRA works to ensure that everyone in our community has access to compassionate, culturally responsive healthcare, while RECONNECTED creates pathways for people to find support, connection, and hope throughout their recovery journey.

Together, we share a belief that every person deserves dignity, respect, and a community that meets them where they are.

The Importance of Culturally Connected Recovery Support

Substance use disorder impacts communities across Colorado, including our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. Yet many individuals continue to face barriers when seeking support, including stigma, language barriers, lack of culturally appropriate services, and challenges navigating healthcare systems.

National data highlights the importance of expanding accessible and culturally responsive recovery services. In one analysis, Hispanic and Latino individuals with substance use disorders were less likely to receive specialty treatment compared with non-Hispanic individuals. Earlier national data also found significant treatment gaps among Hispanic communities, emphasizing the need for services that are accessible, trusted, and culturally relevant.

For many individuals, recovery is not only about stopping substance use—it is about rebuilding relationships, finding stability, reconnecting with community, and creating a future filled with possibility. Peer-based organizations like RECONNECTED play an important role because they provide something essential: connection with people who understand the journey firsthand. Research on recovery community organizations shows that these spaces can provide peer support, social connection, and resources that help individuals maintain long-term recovery.

Stronger Together

Bringing RECONNECTED onto the MIRA bus was more than a tour—it was an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and identify ways we can continue supporting the whole person.

Whether someone is seeking medical care, mental health support, recovery resources, or simply a place where they feel welcomed, community partnerships help ensure no one has to navigate challenges alone.

MIRA is proud to partner with organizations like RECONNECTED that are working every day to create a healthier, more connected Eagle County. Together, we can continue breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Because when we connect people to care, resources, and each other, we create a stronger community for all.