About Helen Ross McNabb Center – John Tarleton Campus – Knoxville
The Helen Ross McNabb Center runs a teen substance abuse program on the John Tarleton Campus in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s called The Elevate Program and is designed to support students to overcome substance misuse. It’s run through partnership with the McNabb Center, Knox County schools and other community organizations.
Knox County high school students who are struggling with drugs or alcohol can take part in Elevate. They’ll get intensive outpatient services as well as academic programming.
Students who wish to participate get free Knoxville Area Transit bus passes donated by the City of Knoxville. They’ll take a bus to reach the campus and be given lunch. They’ll spend the afternoons participating in substance use treatment services as well as in high school classroom instruction.
I like that on Fridays the program extends until 6:30pm and gives students enrichment activities.
The best thing about this program is that it’s not a separate high school but rather a program within the school system. A student’s participation in the Elevate program doesn’t show up on their transcript and they can stay on track to graduate with their peers.
One of the program’s goals is also to reduce the stigma around students with substance issues. They also work to provide high-quality education and sustained sobriety for each student.
The McNabb Center has multiple locations in Knoxville that offer substance use treatment. Students who are participating in Elevate may be referred to nearby McNabb Center facilities for residential or outpatient services if warranted.
