Moderator: J. Kevin Massey, Health Administrator, Correct Care Solutions, Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board

CE Certified By: AMA,AAFP,ANCC,APA,MCHES,NAADAC,NASW,NBCC

This session will present the innovative ways that Tennessee has approached partnering with the faith-based community to combat addiction and mental health issues. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) designed the Tennessee Community Faith Based Initiative to connect the state's faith-based community with its recovery courts, prevention coalitions, recovery programs, treatment programs, jail and prison programs, and lifeline peers around the state to increase access to resources and, ultimately, to become resources. The approach is to help the faith-based community volunteers build recovery support services/ministry work by using a best practice model that directly connects them with state and local initiatives. The goal is to build more recovery-conducive communities utilizing natural/organic resources. The TDMHSAS recognizes willing volunteer organizations, across all belief systems, as Certified Recovery Congregations when they use a developed best practice model. Moreover, the TDMHSAS connects the organizations with each other, statewide, through networking and training opportunities so partnerships can be built with more local accessibility. As a result, there are 270 Certified Recovery Congregations across Tennessee, working hand in hand with the TDMHSAS to deliver a consistent message and share information with their immediate community. The presenters will share lessons learned and data.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Explain how the Tennessee Community Faith Based Initiative and the Lifeline Peer Project connect the continuum of care across the state.
- Describe the Tennessee Community Faith Based Initiative’s best practice model and its successful implementation.
- Recognize the benefits of building strong partnerships with the faith community as well as helping the faith community increase its capacity to combat addiction.