The REACH Program was developed to help bridge a significant gap in Fentress County by assisting individuals who need substance use treatment but do not have health insurance or the financial resources to access care.
Through the REACH Program, Manna House Ministries has been able to remove financial barriers to care, which allows uninsured individuals to receive comprehensive addiction treatment, mental health services, medication assistance, employment support and recovery housing support while they participate in that treatment.
One success story that was reported is about an individual who entered the program without insurance and successfully completed treatment. Since entering recovery, he has obtained full-time employment, secured his identification and social security card, and is now working toward obtaining his driver's license for the first time. “Watching him progress from crisis to stability has been an incredible reminder of what can happen when individuals are given access to treatment and ongoing support,” states William Webb, program director and behavioral health counselor for REACH.
“In a rural county like Fentress,” Webb says, “access to treatment has historically been one of the greatest barriers to recovery. The opioid settlement funds are allowing us to remove that barrier for some of our citizens while creating pathways to long-term recovery, improved health, stronger families and safer communities. Rather than simply addressing addiction at the point of crisis, these funds are helping individuals build sustainable, long-term recovery through comprehensive treatment and continued support.”
To see other examples of county opioid settlement innovations and contact the UT SMART Initiative staff, please visit their website at smart.tennessee.edu.