As we begin the year through the pandemic, training with the area professionals continues. As we are a Certified Recovery Congregation, a roundtable discussion was coordinated with Tennessee Association Alcohol, Drug and Addiction Services, via Zoom. My liaison, Amy Bechtol of the TN Faith-based Initiatives office contacted me urging attendance. We were able to hear from Judge Jimmy Smith, 27th Judicial District Recovery Court, Brannon Powell, Tennessee Project Lifeline Co

As we begin a new training program to address the mental health needs of the community, an alarming statistic is shared during the introduction of the training. There is no continuum of care with the mental health sector! This seems unheard of in our day of medical technology. In fact, from the onset of symptoms to first treatment, the average wait time is 11 Years!!! Yes...you read that right...11 YEARS. There are several reasons for this: the stigma or shame, no desire