Posted August 27, 2026
Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) and September’s Recovery Month, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) debuts 10 new Recovery Cards Project designs from artists who are incarcerated in Colorado. The designs were developed as part of BHA’s ongoing partnership with the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Larimer County Jail Art Project (LCJAP) to help reduce stigma around addiction and recovery.
“Our incarcerated artists, many of whom are in recovery, find it deeply meaningful to support others on that same journey,” said Clint Burkholder, Programs Specialist for LCJAP. “Providing opportunities for artistic expression gives them a voice, an outlet for their emotions, and a chance to showcase their talents. This process can build self-confidence, foster a sense of purpose, and empower them to envision a future beyond addiction and incarceration.”
Created in 2019, Recovery Cards Project is an initiative of the state’s stigma reduction campaign, Lift The Label. Working with artists in Colorado and nationwide, Recovery Cards Project celebrates recovery, the efforts of those working to achieve it, and the people who support and encourage them every day. Recovery Month is the perfect time to encourage the community to share Recovery Cards as a way to connect, break down social isolation, and open up conversations about addiction recovery.
The new designs will also be featured in a special Recovery Cards display with a community card-writing activity at the Rally for Recovery, Saturday, September 19, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Denver’s Cheesman Park.
“People struggling with substance use disorder, particularly those within the corrections system, are often reluctant to share their stories. This makes it hard to measure how often substance use disorder affects those in our corrections system,” said Stephanie Beasley, BHA Commissioner. “Reliable data of how frequently this happens is difficult to get, but ensuring we can deliver impactful support like creative arts programs and encouraging Recovery Cards to individuals in recovery is one of many powerful tools of support.”
To date, Recovery Cards Project has distributed more than 200,000 Recovery Cards, worked with 45 artists, and created 90 card designs.
The 10 new cards are showcased online at RecoveryCardsProject.com, with six available to the public to order for free. The remaining four will be used to distribute messages of support to incarcerated individuals throughout the DOC. Anyone in Colorado can order physical cards to receive in the mail. Everyone can share them digitally from the website.
Please visit RecoveryCardsProject.com to browse all Recovery Cards in both English and Spanish.
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