Michigan Boosts Addiction Recovery Support with Peer Coaches and New Grants

State expands access to peer recovery coaching and funding for community-based recovery organizations

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:55am

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Michigan is strengthening its support for individuals navigating substance use disorder (SUD) recovery through increased access to peer recovery coaching and new funding for recovery community organizations. The state is investing $2.5 million to develop or expand hospital-based peer recovery coach programs, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications for grants up to $75,000 to establish Recovery Community Centers and Recovery Community Organizations.

Why it matters

The initiatives come as national data shows a significant portion of the population engages in risky substance use, and a majority of those struggling do not receive treatment. Peer recovery coaches, who often have personal experience with addiction, play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and instilling hope in those embarking on their own recovery journeys. Expanding access to these services and funding community-based recovery organizations aims to improve outcomes and foster long-term well-being for those affected by substance use disorder.

The details

Michigan's strategy centers on peer recovery coaches (PRCs), who provide support, guidance, and a sense of hope to those in recovery. The state is integrating peer recovery tactics throughout the continuum of care, from outpatient services to residential treatment and 'safe harbor' programs. The $2.5 million in grants will support the addition of 18 new PRCs at seven healthcare institutions across the state. Beyond hospital-based programs, Michigan is also investing in the broader recovery ecosystem, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services accepting applications for grants up to $75,000 to develop Recovery Community Centers and Recovery Community Organizations.

  • The grant period for the Recovery Community Center and Recovery Community Organization funding runs from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
  • Organizations interested in applying for the Recovery Community Center and Recovery Community Organization funding have until February 13, 2026, to submit questions and until March 1, 2026, to submit a letter of interest.

The players

Hunter Taylor

Executive director of Lifeboat Addiction Recovery Services, who emphasizes the importance of the human connection and instilling hope that peer recovery coaches provide.

Patrick Patterson

Leads Mid Michigan Recovery Services, which is integrating peer recovery tactics throughout its continuum of care, and believes the lived experience of peer coaches is invaluable.

Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA)

Awarded $2.5 million in grants to seven healthcare institutions to develop or expand hospital-based peer recovery coach programs.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Currently accepting letters of interest from organizations seeking funding to develop Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) and Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs).

The Health Fund

Has awarded grants to organizations like Catholic Human Services to implement team-based approaches that incorporate peer support professionals.

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What they’re saying

“A big part of what we do as recovery coaches is instill hope and optimism in people. We say, you can do this because look at how many people have done this before you.”

— Hunter Taylor, Executive director of Lifeboat Addiction Recovery Services

“The sense of welcome and 'okay, and you get me' which is really essential to human experience is what the peer brings.”

— Patrick Patterson, Leads Mid Michigan Recovery Services

What’s next

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will review the letters of interest for the Recovery Community Center and Recovery Community Organization funding and announce the selected recipients.

The takeaway

Michigan's comprehensive approach to tackling substance use disorder, including expanding access to peer recovery coaches and increasing funding for community-based recovery organizations, demonstrates a growing recognition of the vital role that recovery support services play in improving outcomes and fostering long-term well-being for those affected by addiction.