The Rutherford Opioid Board convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests and program updates aimed at addressing the impact of substance misuse on families in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of Comari House, which provides trauma-informed supervised visitation services for children separated from parents due to substance misuse, incarceration, or family instability.

The board reviewed a funding request from Comari House totaling $96,029, with a specific ask of $66,529 allocated for personnel and fringe benefits. The organization aims to support children facing adverse childhood experiences by facilitating safe visits with their parents, thereby promoting emotional development and reducing the risk of future substance misuse. The program has reportedly served around 300 individuals in the past year, demonstrating a strong track record of positive outcomes.

During the discussions, board members expressed a desire for more specific and measurable goals in Comari House's evaluation plan. While the organization received a high score of 85.7 from reviewers, there were suggestions for enhancing data collection strategies and establishing clearer metrics for success. Despite these minor concerns, all reviewers recommended full funding, emphasizing the importance of tracking and strengthening evaluation efforts.

The meeting also addressed the need for increased referrals to the program, particularly from judges beyond Judge Lampley, who has been a primary source of referrals. Comari House representatives noted that they currently have the capacity to serve additional families but are not receiving enough referrals to meet the demand. They highlighted the importance of outreach and collaboration with other organizations to expand their services.

In conclusion, the Rutherford Opioid Board's meeting underscored the critical role of Comari House in supporting families affected by substance misuse. The board's commitment to funding and enhancing the program reflects a broader effort to mitigate the long-term impacts of addiction on children and families in the community. Further steps will be taken to address the identified needs and improve referral processes to ensure that more families can benefit from these essential services.