How a Change in Federal Regulations Could Threaten Life-Saving Progress in Alabama’s Opioid Crisis
PARCA’s 2026 Annual Forum, “From Crisis to Collaboration: How Data, Policy, and Partnership Saved Lives in Alabama,” spotlighted the multiagency collaboration and bold policy decisions that underpinned a sharp decline in overdose deaths in 2024 and 2025 in Alabama. But an April 24 decision by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that severely limits […]
2026 PARCA Annual Forum Review
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 […]
2025 PARCA Annual Forum Review
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 and Substance Abuse Ranks #4 Among Alabama Voter Priorities
In late 2017, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) surveyed Alabama voters to determine their thoughts about the general direction of the state and the issues that most concern them. PARCA partnered with Samford University to survey policy professionals from across the state including academics, journalists, business and nonprofit leaders, and lobbyists. Their […]