MADISON COUNTY – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community has launched the Recovery Resource Hub, which promises to help in alleviating the struggle for people with addictions.

The hub program will provide an impartial one-stop shop where people with substance-use disorder can talk to a state-certified peer support specialist. Individuals can receive an assessment to determine the level of care needed, with treatment options based on that assessment.

The partnership has hired Patrick Laney as its support specialist. Laney has worked in this role at various treatment facilities since 2008. Assisting in limited roles to support the new Hub program are Allen Burnette, who has worked with Tennessee Project Lifeline since its origin, and Carla Bugg with Recovery Organization of Support Specialists or ROSS in Birmingham.

“We have an incredible team of peer support specialists who have been in recovery for several years. Each one of them is dedicated to helping others find their way to a healthier life,” Partnership’s Interim Director Wendy Reeves said.

“Helping others find recovery success is what we hope to do. With everyone working together, whether through volunteering or giving donations, we will make an impact on the opioid crisis in our community,” Reeves said.

Reeves said the new program has specific goals:

* Helping people find needed treatment for substance abuse disorder so they can lead a healthier life.
* Reducing the number of overdoses and deaths in the community.
*Impacting the economy positively because people are employed while in recovery.

The Hub also will serve as an information resource for families and friends trying to handle the stresses associated with having a loved one who is addicted.

For help, individuals can call the partnership office at 256-539-7339 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Recovery Resource Hub also will use a statewide helpline, paid for by Alabama Department of Mental Health and federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA.

ROSS employees handle the Helpline at 1-844-307-1760, available 24/7. All calls are confidential. No drug test is required.

To-date, funding for the new program has been provided by the Jane K. Lowe Foundation, City of Huntsville, Huntsville Housing Authority, Sheriff Kevin Turner, Colsa Corporation, Damson Automotive Group, State Sen. Arthur Orr and State Reps. Laura Hall, Rex Reynolds and Howard Sanderford.

To contribute to the Partnership, call 256-539-7339 or visit partnershipforadrug-freecommunity.org.