Champions for Change: A Train-the-Trainer Program to Strengthen Rural Addiction and Mental Health Care in Arizona

Program Overview:

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is proud to introduce Champions for Change, a forward-thinking Train the Trainer initiative designed to build rural healthcare capacity and improve access to high quality addiction and mental health services across Arizona.

Developed in partnership with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and guided by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District Champion Model, this program prepares rural clinicians to serve as local leaders and peer educators. These “champions” will receive in-depth training and mentorship to deliver evidence based, integrated care to individuals affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Participants will engage in a series of specialized trainings that cover critical areas of addiction medicine and behavioral health, including:

  • Recognizing intoxication and withdrawal
  • Medical and behavioral treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and harm reduction strategies
  • Stimulant Use Disorder (StimUD)
  • Sedative Use Disorder and safe tapering practices
  • Dual Diagnosis: Managing SUD alongside depression, anxiety, and PTSD
  • Nicotine dependence and cessation techniques
  • Perinatal Substance Use Disorder (Perinatal SUD)
  • Perinatal mental health, including screening and treatment

This comprehensive curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of rural and underserved communities, where provider shortages and geographic barriers often limit access to care. By training and supporting local champions, the program helps bridge the treatment gap, enabling more patients to receive timely, evidence-based support close to home. Increasing the number of clinicians with addiction specific expertise, especially in regions hardest hit by the opioid crisis, ensures that care is not only accessible but also effective and culturally responsive.

Champions for Change reflects the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s commitment to advancing health equity, building sustainable community partnerships, and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to meet Arizona’s most urgent behavioral health challenges.

Ready to get involved or want to learn more? Take the first step by clicking HERE to complete our quick Needs Assessment Survey.