4 people graduate from TDOC substance abuse program

JACKSON, Tenn. — Those who used to suffer from substance abuse now have a second chance thanks to the first ever graduation from a Tennessee Department of Correction program.

Four people graduated Tuesday night during the ceremony at the Bill Moore Administration Building in Jackson. Graduates completed a one-year program involving counseling, random drug testing, job readiness programs and mental health counseling.

“We’re not locking them up and throwing away the key, so we would much rather have them on the outside being able to work with their families and still support themselves,” Correctional Administrator April Buckner said.

All of the graduates now have jobs as well.