Substance abuse disorder costs Tennessee an estimated $2 billion dollars each year. The lost wages of about 31,000 Tennesseans who are out of work because of addiction account for more than half of that estimate according to a study conducted by the University of Tennessee.

The Caring Workplaces is a successful recovery to work program administered by the First Tennessee Development District and funded through the U.S. Department of Labor.  Established in 2021, the Caring Workplaces offers business owners throughout the 8 counties in Northeast, TN, the resources and support they need to foster a supportive work environment that encourages successes of their employees in recovery or justice involved.  The Caring Workplaces includes policy review, training and technical assistance for employers as well as peer supported wrap around services for individuals in recovery and or justice involved, deserving of a fair chance at employment.