Tennessee Recovery Congregations to Reduce Substance Abuse

Memphis Faith Leaders Launch Partnership to Establish Recovery Congregations

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Services is launching a new initiative to offer more Tennesseans with substance abuse issues the opportunity to get clean and sober through recovery congregations programs in their communities. Along the lines of 12 step recovery programs and other established methods that help people struggling with addictions, the State of Tennessee is looking to its faith communities to become partners, to help their fellow citizens suffering from addictions issues.

“Our state’s faith based organizations are great partners, as their missions and visions are primarily about helping others,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “While there are many avenues for Tennesseans to turn for treatment, our hope is that these recovery communities will offer one more avenue for our family members, friends and neighbors to turn to for help and support.”

City of Memphis Faith Community offers Astounding Opportunity

The City of Memphis was selected as the community to launch Tennessee’s new Recovery Congregations initiative for a number of reasons. One of the primary considerations is the astounding number of faith communities located in the city and throughout the west Tennessee region. It’s calculated the Greater Memphis Metropolitan area is home to a staggering 2,000 faith communities representing all major religious beliefs and denominations.

Across the State of Tennessee it’s estimated there are roughly 11- thousand faith communities. The City of Nashville, frequently referred to as the ‘Buckle of the Bible Belt,’ boasts more than 700 churches, along with a number of Christian schools, colleges and universities.

“There is power in the pews, it’s been said,” said Commissioner Varney. “Tennessee’s rich fabric of faith leaders and dedicated parishioners has demonstrated for decades the volunteer spirit of helping their neighbor. It’s our desire to tap into that ‘can do’ attitude to help us address our state’s substance abuse and addiction issues.”

Tennessee seeks Faith Leaders statewide to launch Recovery Communities

• Help individuals deal with substance abuse issues
• Knowledge, familiarity with addiction and recovery
• In good standing with church or organization

“This partnership represents a meaningful opportunity for faith communities across the state to become proactive in serving individuals struggling with substance abuse issues,” said Commissioner Varney. “Faith leaders are in a unique place to assist people in a time of great need. We appreciate their leadership and involvement.”