Deaths from drug overdose dropped sharply in 2024 and 2025, due in part to bold policy decisions, the deployment of overdose reversal treatments, and the strategic use of data to target addiction prevention and recovery outreach.    

The story of how that came about was the focus of PARCA’s 2026 Annual Forum – From Crisis to Collaboration: How Data, Policy, and Partnership Saved Lives in Alabama. 

The March 6 event at Birmingham’s Harbert Center featured leaders who helped bring about the decline, including policymakers from the Legislature, public health, and mental health agencies, as well as frontline doctors, first responders, and peer recovery specialists, who are working to combat addiction.  

Video recordings of the program are featured below, along with Governor Ivey’s keynote address at the Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch.

Background 

In the first half of the 2010’s, Alabama had the nation’s highest opioid dispensing rate, with 121 pills dispensed per Alabama resident that year, according to the CDC. Then, in the midst of the pandemic, a surge of fentanyl in the street drug supply sent an already high rate of overdose deaths soaring. Presentation slides available here.

In response, state and local officials teamed to create an innovative set of policies, programs, and partnerships that empower frontline responders and direct service providers to use their experience and expertise to tackle the addiction crisis.  

View each session below. 

Peer Support and the Path Home

John Bayles, Program Director at Birmingham’s Recovery Resource Center, and Stacey Fuller, Case Manager with the Birmingham Reentry Alliance, opened the program with a conversation about their own experiences with addiction and long-term recovery. They shared deeply personal accounts of their paths through addiction, incarceration, and recovery, highlighting how their lived experiences allow them to better assist others. Fuller, an Army veteran and former nurse, talked about the pressure on healthcare providers to prescribe opioids when pain was added as the “fifth vital sign” in the mid-1990s. Both discussed the vital role that peers like themselves can play in connecting with individuals experiencing addiction who may feel angry, guilty, or hopeless in traditional clinical settings. 

Panel One: Confronting the Crisis: Perspectives from Jefferson County 

Panel One reflected the collaborative public health response to the opioid epidemic in Jefferson County. Participants detailed how data-driven strategies and the passage of critical harm-reduction legislation helped reduce overdose deaths. A central theme was the importance of lived experience, as recovery peers and grieving families successfully lobbied to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and harm reduction. Speakers described the evolution from isolated efforts to a unified community framework that established the Recovery Resource Center and expanded access to treatment. Ultimately, the panel emphasized that sustainable funding and continued partnership are essential to addressing the ongoing challenges of the evolving drug crisis. 

John Bayles of Recovery Resource Center moderated the panel. Participants included: 

• Mark Wilson, MD, Jefferson County Health Officer, 2011-2023 
• Darlene Traffanstedt, Medical Director, Alabama Medicaid Agency 
• Hon. Allen Treadaway, Alabama House of Representatives 

From Crisis to Collaboration: The Formation and Function of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council 

Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, spoke about the strategic efforts to address the opioid and drug crisis through multi-agency collaboration. Presentation slides available here. Commissioner Boswell, State Health Officer Scott Harris, and State Attorney General Steve Marshall co-chair the Alabama Overdose and Addiction Council, which includes numerous committees focused on tackling the crisis through data-sharing, inventive policymaking, and close communication with frontline workers. Commissioner Boswell emphasized the importance of data sharing agreements and a governance structure that make it possible for agencies to use sensitive data to rapidly inform prevention and response efforts, ultimately leading to a substantial reduction in overdose deaths and enabling the creation of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that targets resources where they are most needed to save lives. 

Innovating and Iterating: Voices from Across Alabama 

The second panel featured perspectives from frontline workers across Alabama who are doing creative work to ensure that people in crisis have access to the support they need. Speakers highlighted the necessity of low-barrier medical clinics and integrated street psychiatry to reach populations who struggle with traditional treatment hurdles. They stressed the importance of empathetic, human-centered care, which includes understanding substance use as a coping mechanism for mental illness and unprocessed trauma. They also discussed the importance of creating space for law enforcement to receive continuing education and engage in dialogue with clinical experts to address technical concerns and facilitate effective collaboration across the different sectors. Finally, the group noted that ongoing education and policy reform would be essential to staying ahead of the crisis, specifically regarding harm reduction tools like expanded drug testing to combat lethal new contaminants. 

Leah Nelson of PARCA facilitated the panel. Participants included: 

• Reggie Parker, Owner, Parker Counseling and Consulting Services 
• Will Rutland, MD, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Medical Director, Street Psychiatry Clinic 
• Jonathan Riley, CRSII, OD2A Outreach, People Engaged in Recovery 
• Leah Leisch, MD, Assistant Professor, UAB Heersink School of Medicine 

Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch

Governor Kay Ivey provided the keynote address for this year’s Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch. In her address, Gov. Ivey outlined a clear trajectory of progress and commitment in Alabama regarding two pressing issues—the opioid crisis and education reform. The Governor emphasized Alabama’s progress in combating opioid overdoses and detailed substantial efforts to improve the state’s education system, highlighting measurable improvements and ongoing initiatives. Through strategic programs, legislative action, and community involvement, Alabama has made significant gains in reducing overdose deaths and improving educational outcomes, with continued focus on sustaining and accelerating this progress for future generations.

PARCA held its 2025 PARCA Annual Forum – State of Mind: Navigating Alabama’s Mental Health Dilemma on March 7, 2025 at The Harbert Center.

Mental health is a statewide concern that profoundly impacts education, workforce productivity, and Alabama’s future. This year’s forum explored state and local policy solutions, innovative programs, and practical strategies to strengthen mental health systems and support Alabama’s students and workers.

The program included insights from state leaders and experts in the field. View each session below.

Why Mental Health?

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter addressed the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama regarding the critical need for improved mental health support. He shared his personal journey toward understanding the pervasive nature of mental health challenges, prompted by a poignant story from a constituent and a subsequent call to action from the Governor. Ledbetter highlighted key advances in Alabama’s mental healthcare system, including implementing mental health coordinators in schools and establishing crisis centers. Despite this progress, he emphasized that significant work remains, particularly in long-term care, and stressed the widespread impact of mental health issues, even within his own family’s experience. He commended the dedication of mental health professionals and underscored the importance of continued collective effort to address this ongoing crisis in Alabama and the nation.

Mental Health in Alabama

Alabama’s Commissioner of Mental Health, Kimberly G. Boswell, provided an overview of the state of mental health in Alabama. Her presentation highlighted concerning statistics for both adults and youth, including high rates of mental illness, substance use, and suicidal ideation, particularly noting a decline in youth mental health linked to adverse childhood experiences and a shift towards phone-based childhoods. Boswell detailed the devastating impact of past budget cuts on the mental health system but emphasized the significant recent financial commitment and collaborative efforts to rebuild and enhance services. Key initiatives discussed included the development of crisis centers and mobile crisis teams, implementing the 988 crisis hotline, and moving towards an integrated care model focusing on early intervention and addressing trauma. The Commissioner stressed the importance of relationships and limiting phone use to improve mental well-being and praised the unified support from policymakers. Commissioner Boswell’s PowerPoint presentation is available here.

What is Working? How Can We Improve?

The panel discussed the ongoing challenges and impactful initiatives aimed at bolstering mental health support across the state, particularly for children and adolescents. The conversation highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts, adequate funding, and addressing systemic barriers to enhance mental healthcare access and outcomes. The panelists also touch upon the significance of trauma-informed practices, cultural competency, and the critical role of community and policy in fostering a more supportive mental health landscape.

The panel was moderated by Robin Sparks, Mental Health Initiative Director at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Panelists included:
-Jeremy Blair – CEO, Wellstone
-Kate O’Day, LCSW – CEO, Gateway
-Melissa Shields, Ed.D., NBCT – Assistant State Superintendent, State Department of Education
-Chandra Brown Stewart – Executive Director, Lifelines Counseling Services
-Rep. Pebblin Warren – Alabama House of Representatives

Where Do We Go From Here?

Lou Lacey, Director of Emotional Wellness at Children’s of Alabama, addressed the current mental health crisis, particularly among children. Drawing from decades of experience counseling trauma victims and serving as the emotional wellness director, Lacey highlighted the overwhelming need for mental health support, evidenced by increased inpatient days and emergency department visits. Despite these challenges, Lacey offered a message of hope, emphasizing the positive impact of connection, love, and collective effort in addressing these critical issues.

Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch

Governor Kay Ivey provided the keynote address for this year’s Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch. In her address, Gov. Ivey highlighted key achievements during her tenure, emphasizing progress in areas like mental health services, education rankings, broadband access, and infrastructure improvements. She also outlined ongoing legislative priorities, including initiatives to protect children online and enhance public safety. The address reflected on past successes, ongoing challenges, and the governor’s vision for Alabama’s future.

Join us for the 2025 PARCA Annual Forum!

March 7, 2025 at The Harbert Center in Birmingham – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mental health is more than a personal challenge—it’s a community concern with profound impacts on education, workforce productivity, and Alabama’s future.

The 2025 PARCA Annual Forum will convene policymakers, business leaders, nonprofit executives, educators, and mental health professionals to address the pressing mental health challenges facing children in schools and adults in the workforce.

Join us on Friday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. at The Harbert Center in Birmingham as we explore state and local policy solutions, innovative programs, and practical strategies that can strengthen mental health systems and support Alabama’s students and workers.

VIEW THE AGENDA HERE

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

If you need to purchase your tickets or table reservation by check, please reach out to
Sarah Dayhood at sarah@parcalabama.org.

SPONSORS INCLUDE:

Sponsorship details available here. Contact sarah@parcalabama.org for more information.

PARCA will be hosting our fifth annual Speaker Series event on the evening of Thursday, September 12th at Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails and conversation with New York Times Best-Selling author, Emmy award winner, and respected political analyst – Larry Sabato. He directs Sabato’s Crystal Ball website, a leader in accurately predicting elections since its inception, and he is the author or editor of two dozen books on American politics.

During this exclusive event, Larry Sabato will share anecdotes, answer your questions, and perhaps even reveal a few behind-the-scenes secrets. His incisive commentary has dissected elections, policy decisions, and the pulse of the nation. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or simply curious about the intersection of words and power, this evening promises to be enlightening, entertaining and delicious!

The event will include a reception for all guests, a private cocktail reception with Sabato, a lively discussion, a book signing, and a dessert reception. Reserve your seat now for an unforgettable soirée!

The PARCA Speaker Series brings important, relevant voices to Alabama for an evening with our state’s thought leaders and opinion makers.

Your support for this event will go toward PARCA’s mission to inform and improve the decision making of state and local leaders in Alabama through objective research and analysis.

Housing inventory continues to fall, and prices continue to rise. Pressures on the housing market ripple across the economy but may have the most significant impact on middle-income workers – those earning between 80% and 120% of the median income. As housing prices increase, middle-income workers often struggle to live where they work. The shortage of affordable housing complicates hiring and threatens our economic health and community vitality. 

See links to Forum resources below

For example, while median income in Alabama is $60,000. The median home sale price in January was $263,000, one of the largest gaps in our history. Likewise, the Alabama median income supports rent of $1,240, but average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1,500.

These challenges were the focus of PARCA’s 2024 Annual Forum: Housing Alabama’s Workforce.

The March 7 event welcomed over 300 state and local leaders gathered at the Harbert Center on March 8 to consider these issues and hear an address from Governor Kay Ivey.

Guiding the discussion were Lisa McCarroll of Navigate Housing Partners, Amanda Loper of David Baker Architects, Terry Harbin of Affordable Homes Gulf Coast, Mary Ellen Judah of Neighborhood Concepts, Cory Stallworth of the City of Birmingham, and James Stockard from the Harvard University School of Design.

The speakers explored the housing challenges facing the state’s middle-income workers—those vital to the economy and well-functioning communities, such as teachers, nurses, and first responders.

Lisa McCarroll made the point well, noting that some 40% of Alabamians may qualify for some type of subsidized housing. Another 44% do not qualify, but earn far less than necessary to afford market rate housing.

Amanda Loper offered examples of creative housing around the county that is both affordable and builds community.

Terry Harbin, a for profit developer Mobile, Mary Ellen Judah, Executive Director of the Huntsville-based nonprofit, Neighborhood Concepts, Cory Stallworth of the City of Birmingham, shared their differing approaches to addressing the shortage of workforce housing.

They highlighted the fact that federal tax credits for developing affordable housing in Alabama are restricted to one per county. And currently, Alabama has no state credit, though one has been introduced in the Legislature this session.

Jim Stockard challenged the audience with a series of questions to consider, including:

What are the types of publicly owned sites that might lend themselves to housing construction in Alabama cities?

Where are the existing market rate apartment buildings in your cities that might be re-purposed as mixed income complexes that could serve the workforce in their cities

What should the state allow or even  mandate in terms of local zoning ordinances?

What level of assistance might cities or the state be willing to provide to assist households in becoming homeowners? 

Encouraged…

Attendees noted they were encouraged to know there are people in Alabama working to address these concerns and that there are actually new things that the state can do.

More than 80% of surveyed attendees reported no, slight, or only moderate knowledge of housing policy before the event–and 90% of those same attendees reported the event improved their knowledge of the topic.

Governor Albert Brewer Memorial Lunch

Governor Ivey addressed the audience as part of the Governor Albert Brewer Memorial Lunch

Forum Resources

Annual Forum Program, including housing policy glossary, resources, and data

Why Housing? Ryan Hankins

What is Workforce Housing? Lisa McCarroll

Innovations Around the Country Amanda Loper

Opportunities in Alabama Panel

What is Possible? James Stockard

PARCA—the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama— works to inform and improve state and local government in Alabama through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. We pursue this work to improve the lives of all Alabamians. This is the legacy given to us by our founder, Governor Albert Brewer.

Independent, objective, nonpartisan research requires speaking the truth and calling a thing by its name.

The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Rayshard Brooks are a series of brutal acts that have gripped our nation’s consciousness and remind us of the racial motivations of segregation, hate, and discrimination. Sadly, this is nothing new. These Americans are among the most recent to join the tragic company of those who have died because of the color of their skin. This is the legacy of systemic racism, injustice, and inequality. This must change.  

Refusing to see, or worse yet, tolerating racism, injustice, and inequality must end. Responding to racism, injustice, and inequality with silence must end. Policies, intentional or otherwise, that sustain racism, injustice, and inequality must change. Until we see these changes, the promise of liberty and justice for all remains hollow. 

PARCA is committed to doing its part to effect such change. In this spirit:

We condemn attitudes, actions, and policies that sustain racism, injustice, and inequality.

We affirm demands for justice, equality, and fairness for African Americans. These are inalienable rights, not policies to debate.  

We support the right to peaceful protests and condemn all acts of violence. 

We invite all people of goodwill to engage in honest self-reflection, to seek a better understanding of the history of African Americans in Alabama and the United States, and to work toward opportunities for reconciliation.

We implore policymakers and leaders at all levels to seek honest information and hear diverse voices to identify and enact policies that will combat systemic racism.

We remain committed to our cause and mission with a renewed sense of responsibility to these concerns.

We continue to produce independent, objective, and nonpartisan research, equipping citizens and leaders with facts that empower, enlighten, and promote mutual understanding.

We reaffirm PARCA’s fundamental premise: Alabama—and the nation—can always do better.

We stand ready to do our part.

The PARCA Roundtable Class of 2020 was announced in late December. The PARCA Roundtable is a member-based organization of young, civic and business leaders interested in broadening their understanding of state and local government in conjunction with the work of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.

The group meets quarterly to discuss a variety of state and community issues in an effort to increase the involvement of its members in seeking solutions to the state’s problems.

New members of the Roundtable are:

Cliff Bell, CBRE Group

Megan Bell, Shipt

JaTaune Bosby, ACLU of Alabama

Will Bryant, Quantalytix, Inc.

Becky Carpenter, Corporate Realty

Whitney Dachelet, Samford University, Cumberland School of Law

Blair Goodgame, St. Clair County Economic Development Council

Matt Hinshaw, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings

Chris McCauley, Tech Alabama

Lydia Messina, Protective Life Corporation

Stephen Pudner, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz

Christianna Rudder, McKinney Capital

Jack West, EnPower Solutions

Whitney Wright, Athena Collective

“Each year, we receive nominations and applications from some of the best and brightest young civic minds in Alabama, featuring a wide array of backgrounds, industry, and expertise,” says 2019 Roundtable Chair Lee Ann Petty. “We are pleased to welcome our new Roundtable members, and we look forward to an exciting 2020 as we learn more about issues affecting Alabama and support PARCA’s mission of seeking solutions for the betterment of our state and local governments.”

Members are chosen through a nomination process from past and current members as well as the PARCA Board of Directors, based on their demonstration of leadership both professionally and in their community.

Join us for an uproarious night of musical political satire with The Capitol Steps, benefiting the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 7:30 P.M. AT BIRMINGHAM’S HISTORIC LYRIC THEATRE

Reserve your seats here!

At PARCA, working to inform and improve government in Alabama is serious work—and we’ve been doing it for almost 30 years. But sometimes you just need to laugh.

Cue The Capitol Steps!

The Capitol Steps have elevated political satire to an art form. Before The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and features on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and NPR, this Washington, DC-based comedy troupe gave audiences laugh cramps with their bipartisan lampooning. The Capitol Steps began in 1981 as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize their employers, and haven’t let up with their hilarious skits and musical comedy. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or Democrat, neither side is safe from the group that puts the “MOCK” in Democracy!

Seats are available at three levels:

• Balcony – General Admission ($50)
• Floor Level – General Admission ($75)
• Preferred Floor Seating & Pre-Show Reception ($100)

This past Wednesday, May 16^th, PARCA held a 2018 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at Woodrow Hall in Birmingham. The event was hosted by the PARCA Roundtable, PARCA’s young professionals’ group of 28 to 45-year-old civic and business leaders. It was a great opportunity for Democrat and Republican candidates to come together and express ideas in a nonpartisan environment prior to the June 5th primary election.

Participating candidates included Tommy Battle, Sue Bell Cobb, Scott Dawson, James Fields, Bill Hightower and Walt Maddox.

The forum featured one-on-one conversations with each candidate. The six conversations were led by PARCA Roundtable members Victoria Hollis, Peter Jones, and Kendra Key, young professional civic leaders Anthony Hood and Bridgett King, and WBHM News Director Gigi Douban.

A number of the questions specifically addressed the concerns of young professionals. Candidates were also asked about many of the issues most important to voters, as reported in PARCA’s recent Alabama Priorities. At the end of the event, all six candidates came to the stage for questions from the audience of around 135.

Some of the main ideas expressed throughout the evening focused on education, taxes, workforce development, the correctional system and the state’s image.

A collegiality emerged between the candidates throughout the evening, and for a few moments, there were no political parties, only public servants interested in improving the state of Alabama.

 

The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and the PARCA Roundtable will be hosting the PARCA Roundtable Legislative Symposium on June 23, 2017 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at The Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.

The Symposium will be a review of the 2017 Legislative Session by CEOs of major advocacy organizations in Alabama, including:

• A+ Education Partnership
• Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice
• Alabama Arise
• Alabama Education Association
• Alabama Policy Institute
• Alabama Rivers Alliance
• Business Council of Alabama

The panel will be moderated by Don Dailey, News and Public Affairs Director at Alabama Public Television and Host of Capitol Journal.

Tickets for the breakfast event are $25. Register here today!