Elizabeth Henry is the Director of Policy at RecoveryPeople, where her personal journey through long-term recovery from substance use deeply informs her advocacy work. She has an Associate of Applied Sciences in Human Services and Addictions Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. By collaborating with other experienced advocates, she continues to build her expertise in public health policy, focusing on the intersections of recovery, service infrastructure, and community well-being.
Elizabeth has been instrumental in policy and legislative initiatives championing consumer rights and protections. Her efforts have impacted state and federal policies and empowered those with lived experience to have a voice in these processes. During the 87th and 88th Texas Legislative sessions, her focus on voluntary recovery housing accreditation and anti-patient brokering laws underscored her commitment to ethical recovery support practices. Her work has led to significant legislative successes in Texas, including supporting the passage of bills that strengthen quality recovery housing and support services, making a tangible difference in the community.
Elizabeth combines her extensive knowledge with her personal insights to inform policy development and public health initiatives. Her expertise was sought by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HRSA - Office of Women’s Health, where she served as a subject matter expert, contributing to developing an opioid toolkit for women in their maternity phases. Her engagement extends to influential committees and advocacy groups, including the National Alliance for Recovery Residence’s Advocacy Committee, the Texas Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, and the Texas Coalition for Healthy Minds. An architect of educational advocacy programs such as Brown Bag Advocacy, Elizabeth remains at the forefront of recovery education, driving legislative change and community engagement. She has authored and co-authored numerous policy briefs. She frequently meets with state and federal agency staff and stakeholders to enhance consumer access, choice, and protections for individuals in recovery and their families.