Initiative Helps Faith-Based Groups Address Addiction
The Johnson Institute in Washington, D.C., has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at providing faith-based organizations with the tools they need to address alcohol and other drug problems within their congregations, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly reported May 17.
Under the campaign, the institute's Rush Center will educate and train leaders, clergy, and staff of faith-based groups in prevention, intervention, and recovery support.
The national outreach campaign features a series of conferences this fall in Austin, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; and St. Paul, Minn. The initiative also includes training seminars, publications, technical assistance, and a website.
"The major goal of the center will be to equip people of faith organizations to respond to addiction illness," said Johnny Allem, president of the Johnson Institute. "We're not just singling out people with addiction -- everybody needs to be informed."
Surveys show that a large number of people in congregations face addiction and recovery problems, but they don't feel comfortable talking about them. The initiative is designed to encourage such conversations.
"We're making it a place where people can talk about this issue without judgment, but with hope," said Trish Merrill, director of the Rush Center.
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