Anderson County awards $417k for addiction programs
The Anderson County Commission has awarded $417,444 to programs that help people struggling with drug and alcohol issues.
The money came to the county from the state of Tennessee through lawsuits against drug companies and pharmacies.
The Tennessee Abatement Council sets rules for how counties can spend the funds, which are given to a mix of nonprofits, churches and government programs.
Each organization must use the funds for the purpose stated in its county contract.
Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention received $22,000 to help rural residents dispose of medication, and $16,796 to provide drug prevention education for parents and study youth substance abuse behaviors, attitudes and norms.
The Boys & Girls Clubs received $30,000 to train staff, support youth mental health and provide substance use education for youth and families.
The Anderson County Senior Center received $10,000 to educate seniors and dental clinic patients about at-home medication disposal and to make disposal methods more accessible.
The Anderson County Recovery Court received $25,000 for its Veterans Treatment Court, and $40,000 for a licensed alcohol and substance abuse counselor to conduct evaluations and offer counseling for the Recovery Court and Anderson County Detention Facility.
Foundation House received $60,000 for transportation services and rental assistance scholarships for the house manager and eligible residents.
Focus Ministries received $35,000 to buy a vehicle for reliable transportation.
Isaiah House received $10,000 for training community members, foster families, staff and volunteers, and to provide emotional and physical support for youth.
Main Street Baptist Church received $20,000 to sustain Celebrate Recovery programming for residents struggling with addiction.
New Purpose received $45,000 for scholarships covering the cost of intensive outpatient programs, mental health evaluations or alcohol and drug assessments.
The county gave the Free Medical Clinic $28,500 to provide no-cost mental health counseling to uninsured or underinsured residents, and $53,148 for patient navigation and care coordination services.
First United Methodist Church received $18,500 for peer support services and targeted peer support groups for individuals with substance use disorders and their families.
Celebrate Recovery at Heritage received $13,500 to continue programming for residents with opioid or substance use disorders.
During the July 21 commission meeting, Commissioner Tim Isbel asked if organizations could spend the money on training not specified in contracts.
Commissioner Shelly Vandagriff said they would need to submit a form requesting the change.
The commission voted to approve the funding along with eight other budget amendments.
Commissioner Sabra Beauchamp made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Robert Smallridge. The measure passed unanimously among members present. Commissioner Michael Foster was absent.
