Focused on Hope

Seeking New Approaches

The root definition of the name “Simran” is “to remember” — significant as a guidepost for Jas’ road forward. He is focused on turning tragedy into hope by taking positive action in memory and honor of his sister’s life.

With her family’s support, Simran sought help from counselors and other available therapeutic options, all of which were unsuccessful. “Most treatments are 30-day programs, not because that’s the ideal amount of time to treat a patient, but because that’s what insurance says it will cover and because it’s a nice round number,” says Jas.

After Simran’s passing, Jas immersed himself in research, exploring different health care approaches as he sought answers. He even traveled abroad to meet with addiction specialists in Portugal, a country with policies that have made significant progress towards reducing usage and overdose rates.

“In the U.S., we don’t treat addiction as a medical issue. We treat it as a moral failure,” says Jas. “We often approach it with an abstinence-only model. Some counselors won’t see a patient who has used within the previous 24 hours. Imagine a cancer patient going to a clinic and being told, ‘Get rid of that cancer before you come see me.’”

By honoring his only sibling with a scholarship in her name, Jas is supporting a new generation of social workers and counselors, hoping to change the way we see people who are struggling with addiction.

Making Connections

Jas’ work to honor Simran’s life supports the future of social workers, because they are often the first line of care providers for people with substance use disorders and mental illness. The guiding philosophy at the Steve Hicks School, one of the nation’s top-ranking schools of social work, aligns well with Jas’ goals. Students are taught a patient-centered approach — one that considers the interaction of people and their environments. Additionally, researchers at the Steve Hicks School have recently engaged in nearly 200 projects focused on mental health issues and substance use disorders, from prevention to recovery.

“Substance use disorder is among the most important social work topics of our time, and I am exceedingly grateful for this scholarship that will bring more smart, passionate, energetic social workers into this space,” says Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker, professor of addiction, recovery and substance abuse services at the Steve Hicks School. “We have incredible people who want to make the world a better place to live in, and this funding opportunity opens more doors for our scholars to help others heal in the realms of addiction.”

Beyond his time and energy, Jas has made a substantial financial commitment to his plans. Now an associate with an Austin-based law firm, he has publicly pledged 10% of his salary for the remainder of his life to changing the world for people like Simran. His commitment is admirable, but not one he considers heroic. “I never thought I would have the kind of job I do today or would have met the people I have or would have the resources I do,” says Jas. “Now that I’m here, why would I not try to use that?”