Cover2 Resources

The opioid epidemic has taken a deep toll on families throughout Appalachia. In Tennessee alone, over 1,631 people, (more than five per day), died from a drug overdose in 2016. To respond to such a massive loss of life, Tennessee state leaders developed a special program to unite faith-based communities and take coordinated action against substance abuse. Faith communities have a long history in the struggle against substance abuse. By working together and building a Faith-Based Recovery Network, not only can the state of Tennessee provide educated, welcoming, and supportive places for individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), but also, they can increase outreach, and build more pathways to recovery. Dr. Monty Burks, is the leader of Tennessee’s Faith-Based Recovery Network, and State Director of Special Projects and Faith-Based Initiatives. Fresh off his speech from the National Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit, Dr. Burks shares his insight into this program’s collaboration with Faith-based commu