The addiction treatment workforce in East Tennessee faces a critical gap in training and professional development due to the widespread elimination of internal training programs by treatment providers over the past decade. These programs were essential for equipping professionals with the skills needed for high-quality care, including clinical techniques, counseling fundamentals, and group therapy facilitation. Without these trainings, the workforce lacks opportunities to develop expertise, resulting in reduced quality of care, poorer treatment outcomes, and diminished job satisfaction.

The FLOURISH Recovery Workforce Academy will address this deficit by providing a structured, accessible training platform to educate behavioral health professionals, recovery residence staff, and other recovery-supportive community members. The Academy will focus on improving workforce competency, increasing retention, and ultimately enhancing care for individuals and families affected by addiction.