AARI, the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative, is Arlington’s opioid and other addictions taskforce, comprised of stakeholders from across the county, including treatment providers, first responders, Arlington Public Schools, the criminal-legal system, hospital staff, and private citizens. AARI was founded in January 2017 in response to the rising concerns regarding opioids in our community. Our primary goals are to prevent reduce stigma associated with substance use, prevent individuals from developing a substance use disorder, increase access and awareness of available treatment and harm reduction resources, and decrease access to opioids through diversion.
Read more about AARI's impact: AARI Impact Report(PDF, 3MB)
To reduce the consequences of substance use, dependency, and overdose to promote a healthier, more equitable community and improve community understanding of substance use through an integrated system of community members and professionals providing support, resources, and education.
Our strategic plan is reviewed and updated every three years. The plan includes three primary focus areas:
1. Prevention: Community education & awareness, data sharing, trainings, naloxone education and dispensing
2. Treatment: Increasing access to treatment, expand availability of treatment, increase diversion programs, enhance recovery supports, and overdose response
3. Supply Reduction: Drug take back, safe medication disposal & storage, decrease access of prescriptions, and engagement with medical community
Read the full plan: Strategic Plan(PDF, 177KB)
AARI's Strategic Plan is currently under is scheduled review. We welcome feedback as we make updates and changes.
For more information including trainings, education programs, or treatment resources, contact AARI via e-mail: aari@arlingtonva.us or fill out our form to request a training.
To volunteer with AARI please use Sign-up genius. Our volunteer coordinator will then contact you before the volunteer event to give you a brief orientation and overview of what to expect. For questions contact aari@arlingtonva.us