County allocates $32,284 in opioid funds to the faith based recovery coalition

Lewis County Government has taken a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse in our community by donating $32,284 from its state opioid abatement fund to the Lewis County Faith Based Recover Coalition.

The "Coalition" is an organization of local church leaders from various denominations that united together over four years ago to help combat drug abuse and assist those in need of recovery services in our community. Since that time, they have partnered with Hope Center Ministries to offer Christ-centered programs to individuals battling addiction.

"Commissioners and I are determined to do all we can to tackle the drug epidemic in our community, and this allocation will help the coalititon serve individuals who are fighting to overcome their addicitons," stated Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner.

Lewis County's state opioid funds are extremely restricted and can only be spent on opioid abatement and remediation purposes. The funds are the result of Tennessee joining several other states in reaching a multi-billion-dollar settlement with several large pharmaceutical companies to resolve legal claims for their role in the national opioid crises.

In order to receive such opioid funds, the Coalition had to complete an extensive application and interview process, as well as illustrate to both county and state officials how their program benefits those affected by drug abuse. They also have to submit annual reports detailing how their funds have been spent, and identify the successful outcomes of their recover program.

According to Pastor Jeff Gandy of Blondy Church, "These funds are blessing to the Coalititon and will help us provide more access to drug treatment programs, and supply more valuable resources and materials to recovering addicts in our community."

To learn more about the recovery programs offered by the Lewis County Faith Based Recovery Coalition, please contact Pastor Gandy at 931-796-4226.