Rutherford County's commitment to combating opioid misuse took a significant step forward during a recent meeting of the Rutherford Opioid Board on June 4, 2025. The board approved a funding request of $63,085 for the Family Preservation Initiative, aimed at providing wraparound services to youth and their families facing behavioral health challenges. This initiative seeks to divert young individuals from the judicial system by addressing household risk factors and enhancing protective factors, ultimately aiming to reduce substance misuse and justice system involvement.

The program will serve youth referred by various local authorities, including the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and school resource officers. The funding will support personnel costs, supplies—including contributions to the Recovery Fest—and direct assistance for families in need. The board unanimously recommended full funding, highlighting the initiative's comprehensive approach to family engagement and support.

In addition to the Family Preservation Initiative, the board also discussed a funding request from the Interfaith Dental Clinic, which seeks $82,701 to continue its vital services for economically disadvantaged and medically underserved individuals in Rutherford County. The clinic aims to provide oral health treatment and education, focusing on the link between dental health and opioid misuse. Their goals include screening patients for opioid use disorder (OUD), distributing naloxone to at-risk families, and training dental providers on best practices for OUD treatment.

Both initiatives reflect Rutherford County's proactive stance in addressing the opioid crisis through community-based programs that prioritize prevention and support for vulnerable populations. As these programs move forward, they promise to enhance the well-being of families and individuals affected by substance misuse in the region.