Roads to Recovery is a mayoral initiative under the All in Mile High citywide goal. The program supports individuals with complex mental health and substance misuse needs. Through Roads to Recovery, teams divert individuals from the criminal justice system into a city-coordinated network of intervention, treatment and rehabilitation services.
Outcomes associated with the All in Mile High citywide goal will be tracked through the AIMH dashboard at a later date.
Currently, many people struggling with addiction or mental health end up locked in a cycle of arrests and incarceration, often for low-level crimes like trespassing and drug possession.
While many of these people are connected to care, the system is fragmented and difficult to navigate, placing a burden on those in need.
Roads to Recovery connects people struggling with addiction or mental health to a coordinated system of care as part of the citywide All in Mile High goal. Program participants enter a coordinated, high-touch system for immediate intervention and treatment to support long-term stability.
This initiative collaborates with city agencies including Denver Police Department, Department of Public Health & Environment, Department of Housing Stability, Department of Safety, Office of Neighborhood Safety, Denver Sheriff Department, Denver Parks & Recreation, as well as the court system.
Roads to Recovery creates pathways before contact with the criminal justice system and into care and treatment.
Participants receive a menu of care options that are appropriate for their specific needs. Instead of a referral-based system, care is provided immediately (or as soon as possible). After initial stabilization, participants receive long-term care navigation as they navigate toward mental health and addiction recovery.
Roads to Recovery is an initiative led by Mayor Mike Johnston’s office as part of the All in Mile High program.
In 2024, the primary program goal was to move 200 people struggling with addiction or mental health out of the criminal justice system and into a coordinated intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation pipeline
In 2025, teams are working with participant toward long-term stability. Outcomes for program participants will be measured in areas related to continued involvement with the criminal justice system, engagement with treatment and services, and self-reported wellbeing.