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The Azark Foundation Launches New Sponsorship Program to Address Substance Abuse
The Azark Foundation Launches New Sponsorship Program to Address Substance Abuse
Kingsport, TN—September 4, 2025—The Azark Foundation announced today the launch of a new program designed to provide financial assistance for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. The program, approved by the board on August 21, 2025, uses donations to cover the cost of care directly with licensed treatment providers.
The new Substance Abuse Treatment Sponsorship Program aims to remove a significant barrier to recovery by helping those who cannot afford the necessary treatment. Donations to the program will be used to pay qualified treatment providers on behalf of eligible participants, ensuring that no funds are given directly to the client.
To ensure the program's long-term sustainability and effective management, all donations will support the program's mission—primarily for treatment costs but also for essential administrative and quality-control services.
"The Azark Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability in all our efforts," said Richard Kitzmiller, President/CEO. "This program provides a clear and direct path for donors to make a tangible impact on the lives of those struggling with substance abuse. We believe everyone deserves a chance at recovery, and this program will help make that a reality."
The Foundation will publish an annual report detailing the total funds raised, the percentage applied to treatment, and the number of people served. Donors can also request an impact summary at any time.
For more information on the Substance Abuse Treatment Sponsorship Program, please visit our program page.
Azark Foundation participates in the
Azark Foundation participates in the
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) READY Nonprofits program. (June 2025)
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) READY Nonprofits program. (June 2025)
The Azark Foundation was selected to participate in the 2025 READY Nonprofits cohort. READY Nonprofits is an initiative providing training and funding access to help participants build capacity in their nonprofit organizations. You can learn more about the ARC initiative at their media release.
Azark and other participating groups will receive technical assistance during the summer of 2025. Following this technical support, Azark will be guided through a non-competitive application for funding support to build internal capacity.
Andy Kitzmiller selected as
Andy Kitzmiller selected as
Vice President of Healthcare Operations (January 2025)
Vice President of Healthcare Operations (January 2025)
Dr. Andrew "Andy" Kitzmiller brings over two decades of expertise in behavioral health to his multi-faceted career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, clinical supervisor, executive, consultant, trainer, and scholar. Based in Tennessee and licensed as a counselor and supervisor in both Virginia and Tennessee, Andy holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, further augmenting his credentials with Graduate Certificates in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University and Integrated Care Management from UMass Chan Medical School.
Andy earned a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Freed-Hardeman University in December 2023, with his terminal research focusing on authentic leadership development within the behavioral health field. He has a passion and dedication for helping clients, supervisees, and employees reach their personal and professional goals. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, he has mentored new generations of therapists, underscoring his commitment to elevating the quality of mental health services in the communities he serves.
As a lifelong learner, Andy has a passion for new experiences and a never-ending desire to expand his knowledge base to make him a more effective leader and practitioner. He has an extensive background in various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and neurofeedback, among others.
Andy has more than a decade of executive leadership experience in statewide behavioral health organizations in multiple states and is currently serving as the National Service Category Lead for a large company’s integrative, value-based population health programs throughout the country. He has extensive training in Lean process improvement and other change management strategies. His leadership approach is driven by his enthusiasm for helping clients, employees, and teams reach their full potential.
A respected consultant and trainer, Andy's influence extends to training sessions for veterans, first responders, and community members, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues. In 2024, he trained 20% of the counselors of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Vet Centers throughout the country. He has also served as an Advisory Panel member for Shenandoah University’s Transformative Leadership Program.
Andy's long-standing experience, multi-state licensure, and educational accomplishments position him as an influential leader and a sought-after expert in behavioral health. His commitment to continuous education and quality improvement sets a high standard for professional excellence in integrative health care.
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