Rutherford County - TN - The Rutherford Opioid Board (ROB) is ready to distribute funds to local Community Partners including nonprofit charitable organizations, any chamber of commerce exempt from IRS Code 501(c)(6), or any nonprofit civic organization to support and provide services to combat the opioid epidemic within Rutherford County, TN.  Successful grant recipients will receive funds from $500,000 which is a part of the $26 billion National Opioid Settlement.  Funds from the settlement are expected to be paid over 18 years. 

ROB is comprised of Commissioner Craig Harris, Chairman, Commissioners Robert Peay, Jr. and Pettus Read, Superintendent of the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center, William C Cope, Director of Rutherford County Probation and Recovery Services, Alissa Phillips, and Recovery Court Case Manager Supervisor Lori Flippo. 

Harris stated, “Opioid deaths in Rutherford County have risen so high, it is apparent the opioid epidemic has affected every citizen in some way.  I want to be able to bring awareness, education, and recovery to the community in order to put an end to what we are going through.”

Peay reflected, “Our county and our communities are under attack by a pestilence that is killing people and destroying lives.  Follow the Rutherford Opioid Board as we strive to educate our friends and families about the dangers of opioids and how to eliminate this problem.” 

Grant funds may be used to combat substance abuse, prevent overdoses and death, and to educate the public.  The goals and objectives prioritized by ROB are education and assistance outreach, onsite services to assist citizens who require support to access and apply for opioid and substance abuse treatment, services to prevent opioid misuse and effects on children and families and services and programs to promote rehabilitation of the homeless affected by opioid addiction.  Grant applicants must focus on at least one of the goals and objectives prioritized by ROB. 

Not for profit organizations may acquire grant application materials and information at https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/robapp.  

The committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am in room 205 of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse.