Washington County, Tenn. recognized September as “Recovery Month” with a formal proclamation read by Mayor Joe Grandy at the Washington County Commission meeting September 25. Grandy, reading from the proclamation, said “The Board of County Commissioners recognizes the collaboration between private and public entities that work tirelessly to support individuals during their long-term recoveries, and applauds the courage, efforts and accomplishments of the individuals who are building lives in recovery from substance use and mental illness.”
Washington County distributed $4.2 million in Baby Doe funds this year that was allocated from the opioid settlement monies for efforts to prevent addiction. Seven agencies were selected from 11 applicants in August 2022. Funds were distributed in January 2023.
Here is a list of just a few of the accomplishments of the seven agencies since the funds were distributed to them in January 2023:
1. Washington County 911: 25% of employees are participating in a leadership and wellness program designed to prevent mental health and substance abuse.
2. Fairview Housing: Renovations are underway for an Intensive Outpatient Program that will open in December 2023 for 24 men in recovery.
3. Recovery Resources: Combined funds have been used to purchase, furnish, and initiate housing for 15 men in recovery.
4. Northeast Tenn. Regional Recovery Center: Combined funds are completing the build-out of the former Roan Mountain Work Camp prison to serve men, with a smaller facility in Johnson City to serve women. Both expect to begin programming this fall.
5. Salvation Army: Combined funds are being used to initiate a 15-bed Veterans’ addition to its downtown Johnson City location. Construction is underway with an anticipated June 2024 opening.
6. Washington County Recovery Court: Recovery courts “help non-violent individuals with substance use disorders participate in treatment while under close legal and clinical supervision.” Funds will be distributed over four years to help participants with costs to be successful as well as provide training for them.
7. Recovery Community Center: An estimated 900 unique patients who have been affected by substance use and addiction in Washington County and surrounding areas have come through the doors for services since January 2023 and the numbers are growing. The center offers 16 different recovery support groups among other services, free of charge.
For additional information on the history of the Baby Doe settlement funding please visit https://www.washingtoncountytn.org/