Spotlight: 10,000 Beds
by KATIE BROOKS
Like millions of others, H.C. felt that his drug addiction had cost him everything. “I was on a path of total hopelessness and was sure no one cared. I had accepted the decision that the drug would soon have my life,” he remembers. “10,000 Beds was the last flicker of hope, which came unexpectedly.” Completing treatment, which he wouldn’t have been able to afford without a scholarship arranged by 10,000 Beds, helped H.C. find healing, strength, and purpose. “Not only am I clean and sober, but my wife has joined me in this new chapter of life.”
10,000 Beds, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Cedar City, Utah, envisions a world in which those recovering from drug addictions are welcomed, embraced, and seen as valuable people with limitless futures. The organization’s mission? To connect individuals seeking help for addiction to vetted treatment programs. This allows people like H.C., along with their loved ones, to find hope again.
Jean Krisle, CEO of 10,000 Beds, found the inspiration for the nonprofit in 2014. She knew many men and women who desperately wanted to leave their additions behind but had no resources with which to pursue recovery. Krisle had these people in mind when she visited several treatment centers and noticed several empty beds. With over 20 million drug and alcohol addicts in the US needing treatment and only 2 million treatment beds, every empty bed is a tragedy.
Determined to find a solution to this life-threatening problem, Krisle founded 10,000 Beds. Its unique model involves partnering with treatment programs directly for the donation of scholarship beds. Experts in the behavioral health industry and other fields have recognized this method as both innovative and effective.
Each of 10,000 Beds’ partners is an addiction treatment program that donates at least one scholarship (referred to as a “bed”) per year. Some partners provide many more! 10,000 Beds then offers the donated scholarships to qualifying applicants.
Those in need of one of these scholarships may apply through 10,000 Beds’ website. The application process includes more than 30 questions, a comprehensive review and assessment, and the consideration of unique circumstances. 10,000 Beds can thereby identify which applicants are in the most need and are the most prepared for a scholarship. In addition, the thorough application process helps 10,000 Beds decide which treatment programs are best suited for which applicants. The respective programs may then perform their own clinical assessments prior to admission.
The huge and growing number of submitted applications keeps 10,000 Beds quite busy. The organization is continuously reviewing applications and reaching out to their partner treatment programs. Because of the sometimes-extended period necessary for awarding scholarships, applicants are required to check in on their application status each week and continue to meet 10,000 Beds’ criteria throughout the process.
Thankfully, the help that scholarship recipients receive is worth the wait. In 2016, 10,000 Beds awarded more than $1 million in treatment scholarships. In 2017, that number was bumped up to more than $2.5 million, which helped about 1,000 men and women receive treatment. The organization’s goal for 2018 is to double what they have awarded over the previous two years.
10,000 Beds owes their success—and expresses gratitude—to the generous donations of their treatment program partners as well as private donors. Those who are ready to join the cause or make their own donations can visit 10,000 Beds website.