For years, we watched our son, Will, battle the relentless grip of opioid use disorder (OUD). For Will and so many other Americans across the country, recovery is never an easy journey. The hardest part wasn’t getting off opioids — it was staying off them.

Sadly, after going through numerous treatment programs, and in the precarious in-between period of reentering the “real world” after rehab, Will died of an overdose at the age of 25. It took time, strength and the power of community for us to turn our grief into action; in 2014, we created the Will Bright Foundation and Restoration Springs to support individuals seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

While supporting our son in recovery, we noticed a gap in the recovery continuum: post-rehab support and ease of access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Will persevered through rehab several times and committed himself to getting better, but he didn’t have access to a treatment that could support his long-term recovery. We often reflected, and still do, on how MOUD might have given Will the stability he needed to truly rebuild his life.

The Will Bright Foundation has recently made a policy change at our organization to allow for the use of long acting injectables (LAIs) for OUD. Following science and research, we understand that these innovative forms of treatment present real opportunities for those in recovery to stay in recovery, and have the freedom to live productive, meaningful lives.

Now, our family is dedicated to building a safe place for others to heal and grow. Through the foundation’s advocacy around job training, transitional living, and MOUD, we are working to ensure that more families have the resources they need to find stability and achieve long-term recovery.