Sam Garcia | Director of Peer Support & Community Outreach
Meet Sam Garcia
Turning Lived Experience Into Connection, Hope & Action Sam Garcia is a married father of four, a proud member of the Kewa Pueblo, and has dedicated his life to helping strengthen recovery services throughout Alaska. In long-term recovery since April 8, 2016, Sam understands firsthand the importance of connection, support, and having someone willing to help navigate the path forward. Since coming to Alaska in 2019, he has worked to improve access to recovery resources and advocate for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Sam is a certified chemical dependency counselor and was among Alaska’s first certified peer support professionals. Today, as Director of Peer Support and Community Outreach with EMEND Alaska, he combines his clinical knowledge, lived experience, and community relationships to help people find the support they need. His work also includes advocating for veterans, expanding awareness of peer-based recovery services, and helping organizations understand how peer support can strengthen the continuum of care. At the heart of Sam’s work is a simple belief: Connection can overcome addiction. By connecting people with the right resources, the right community, and the right support at the right time, meaningful change is possible.
Building Stronger Recovery Communities Across Alaska
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation.
Through peer support, education, outreach, partnerships, and connection to resources, EMEND Alaska is working to strengthen the network of support available to individuals, families, and communities throughout Alaska.
As Director of Peer Support and Community Outreach, Sam helps bridge the gap between people who need support and the organizations and resources available to provide it.
For Sam, this work is personal.
It's about making sure people know that recovery is possible, help exists, and there are people willing to walk alongside them.
Connection creates hope. Hope creates change.
Whether you're seeking resources, looking for a community partner, interested in a presentation, or want to learn more about peer support, Sam would be glad to hear from you.
How Can Sam Help?
Sam works with individuals, families, treatment providers, community organizations, healthcare professionals, veterans, and other partners throughout Alaska. Recovery & Treatment Resources Not sure where to turn? Sam can help individuals and families identify appropriate recovery, treatment, peer support, and community resources for substance use and mental health concerns.
Community/Organizational Connections
Sam works with organizations and community partners to strengthen connections between people who need help and the services available to them. If your organization needs a recovery resource, referral connection, or community partner, reach out.
Presentations/Education
Sam is available to speak with organizations, community groups, providers, and other audiences about topics related to recovery, peer support, substance use, mental health, and community engagement.
Naloxone Training/Kits
Learn how naloxone can save a life. Sam can provide information about naloxone, overdose response education, training opportunities, and access to available kits and resources.
Peer Support
Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who understands the journey. Sam helps connect individuals with peer support resources and works with organizations interested in developing, expanding, or better understanding peer support services.
Veteran Resources/Outreach
Sam is committed to improving connections to recovery and behavioral health resources for veterans and helping ensure they know where to turn when support is needed.
Let's Connect
Whether you're looking for resources for yourself or someone you care about, representing an organization, or interested in bringing recovery education into your community, complete the form below. Sam will use the information you provide to better understand what you're looking for and help make the right connection.