Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency Tackles Addiction Recovery Gaps in Van Buren, White Counties

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) policy council convened this week to discuss critical improvements needed for addiction recovery services in the region, including the close-knit rural communities of Van Buren and White counties. The focus of the discussion was identifying gaps and barriers in existing programs.

LaNelle Godsey, UCHRA Deputy Director, initiated the conversation by asking, “What is missing? What gaps do you see? What are the barriers to the programs that we’re already running?”

UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley highlighted the significant challenge of inadequate housing for individuals battling substance abuse. Farley explained that UCHRA already provides specialized housing for seniors, disabled individuals, and targeted groups like migrant farm workers in Warren County. He noted the agency's success in securing grant funding to establish transitional homes for people in recovery, specifically mentioning a women’s house in DeKalb County that can house up to eight individuals, and a men’s house in South Carthage, also accommodating eight.

However, Ryan Henry, supervisor of the UCHRA’s Certified Peer Recovery Specialist program, emphasized that housing is just one piece of the puzzle. Henry stated, “We are building a blueprint on how to build a recovery ecosystem in our region that can be implemented in other areas of the state and nationally.” He identified workforce development as the next crucial component, aiming to guide individuals “from a crisis point on the street… to giving them hope, connecting to resources, and getting them ready to join the workforce and be a productive member of society.”

Anne Stamps with Volunteer Behavioral Health stressed the ongoing battle against the stigma associated with addiction. “I work every day to try to fight stigma,” Stamps said, adding that it requires continuous education and information to help the local towns like Sparta and Spencer understand that addiction “is not a choice.” She also encouraged employers to foster “recovery-friendly workplaces,” acknowledging that individuals in recovery may need flexibility for appointments.

Farley concluded by urging policy council members to spread the message that there is “no wrong door” for those seeking treatment services in the Upper Cumberland. “If somebody says they’re struggling or they’ve got a child or a brother or a sister or husband or wife that’s struggling, don’t think you’re hopeless. There’s no wrong door in the Upper Cumberland. If you get to one of the partners around the table, you’re going to get to every resource that’s available,” he assured.