Monroe, Ga. (October 1, 2024) – Piedmont Walton Hospital has announced a partnership with Walton Empowers Addiction Recovery Support Center to provide counseling and support services to patients seeking assistance with substance misuse. 

“At Piedmont Walton, it is our mission to make a positive difference in every life we touch, and having this resource available to our patients is another way we are able to positively impact the communities we serve,” said Blake Watts, CEO at Piedmont Walton. 

Founded in 2020 by Courtney Wright and Cathy Beddow, Walton Empowers provides recovery support to individuals and their families through advocacy, training, and peer support services.

“Walton Empowers was established as a resource for those living with a substance misuse challenge, and has grown to provide more resources thanks to the support of the community,” said Courtney Wright, co-founder and Executive Director for Walton Empowers. “We are committed to empowering individuals with the tools and support they need to achieve long-term recovery and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

The partnership between Piedmont Walton and Walton Empowers formalizes the referral process.

If a patient visits Piedmont Walton for medical care and would like assistance with substance misuse, with the patient’s permission, the hospital will contact Walton Empowers, who will then send a peer support specialist to speak with the patient. Walton Empowers peer coaches have first-hand knowledge with substance misuse and mental health challenges, and are trained to connect those seeking help with resources for immediate and long-term recovery from addiction. 

“Establishing a relationship with Walton Empowers helps us provide even more care to patients in the communities we serve who are living with addiction,” said Watts. “The Walton Empowers team have created a great resource close to home for individuals and families.”

For more information on resources available in Walton County, visit piedmont.org/empoweringyou. To learn more about Walton Empowers, visit waltonempowers.org.