Who We Are
InStep exists to strengthen Central Indiana’s response to substance use disorder by uniting multisector partners in coordinated, person-centered action. We serve as a convening hub, bringing together members from over 200 organizations to improve care coordination, care transitions, and recovery supports for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
Our History
Bill Corley founded INSTEP in 2018 with the vision of uniting stakeholders that support the community-wide response to substance use disorder (SUD) in greater Indianapolis. Since its inception, Bill and his team successfully grew INSTEP's membership from 25 to more than 90 organizations by the end of his tenure.
With our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status approved in June 2018, we quickly became a central coalition, drawing support and involvement from representatives across health care, law enforcement, government, education, the business community, and faith-based organizations.
In 2019, the INSTEP Consumer Advisory Group (ICAG) was created. It served as the region's first 'Voice of the Consumer'—a focus group of diverse individuals who have experienced, or been affected by, SUD.
ICAG members have provided critical input on mental health and SUD projects in Marion and surrounding counties, which has increased the number of positive outcomes and provided a better understanding of current SUD issues.
"INSTEP is a community-wide collaboration made up of local healthcare, law enforcement, the business community, faith-based organizations and others working together to FIGHT the substance use disorder epidemic in Indianapolis."
Bill Corley
Founder
A New Era of Leadership
In December of 2022, the coalition welcomed our new President, Tammie L. Nelson, MPH, CPH.
A native Hoosier, a first-generation college student, and an epidemiologist educated at IU's Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Tammie is a devoted advocate of health equity. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from IUPUI and is a proud Warren Central High School alum.
Her extensive background includes serving as a faculty Research Associate in the Indiana University School of Medicine's Division of Children's Health Services Research.
Prior to that role, she was an Epidemiology Manager at the Marion County Public Health Department, where she produced the Marion County Opioid Safety & Alternatives Conference and managed two mass media campaigns focused on naloxone awareness and substance use stigma reduction.
"INSTEP has entered a new chapter of growth. Our leadership is focused on integrated learning opportunities, cross-sector problem solving, and a steadfast commitment to trauma-informed, equitable, and community-driven approaches to strengthen the systems that serve our most vulnerable neighbors."
Tammie L. Nelson, MPH, CPH
President
Our Mission
To advance communication, collaboration, and the sharing of evidence-based and culturally responsive best practices across healthcare, behavioral health, public health, social services, and community organizations.
Our Core Values
Our Key Goals
Reduce Overdose Mortality
Working across sectors to reduce overdose morbidity and mortality, ultimately saving lives in our community.
Preserving Family Life
Decreasing the number of children needing social services due to parental addiction.
Support Vulnerable Infants
Decreasing the number of substance-exposed infants born in the Indianapolis area.
Strengthen Systems of Care
Improving care coordination and transitions so individuals have access to continuous, person-centered recovery supports.