Align9

Align9 is a non-profit organization based in Tennessee that focuses on strengthening communities by addressing substance abuse disorders, healthcare access issues, education needs, and economic challenges stemming from addiction. Founded to combat the economic and health devastation of the opioid epidemic, Align9 primarily serves the 9th Judicial District of Tennessee, which includes Roane, Loudon, Morgan, and Meigs counties. The organization collaborates with government agencies, non-profits, and faith-based groups to identify service gaps, raise awareness of community needs, and mobilize volunteers to address these issues. Through federal grant awards, Align9 provides substance abuse prevention and intervention services, as well as capacity building for local coalitions.

As a prime recipient of multiple AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Align9 engages approximately 75 senior volunteers aged 55 and older to conduct substance abuse prevention education, recovery coaching, mentoring, and connect individuals to healthcare resources. These volunteers also facilitate financial literacy and job readiness training across the four-county service area. Additionally, Align9 serves as a sub-recipient for grants awarded to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In this capacity, Align9 assists local prevention coalitions in implementing evidence-based substance abuse prevention interventions, building community capacity, and addressing needs arising from COVID-19 and natural disasters. The organization has also received funding through SAMHSA's Drug-Free Communities Support Program to establish and strengthen community coalitions focused on preventing and reducing youth substance use. These various grant programs have provided Align9 with over $1 million in federal funding to support its community-based initiatives targeting substance abuse prevention, health promotion, and economic empowerment.