Eckerd Academy
Suches, GA

---

Eckerd Temporarily Consolidates
Eckerd Academy Programming

After an extensive analysis of the economic climate and much serious deliberation, Eckerd leadership has made the difficult decision to consolidate Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge programming in Suches, GA with Eckerd Academy at Brooksville, Florida. The consolidation is expected to be complete by the end of September, 2011.

"Although Eckerd leadership believes strongly in helping privately referred students and in our Eckerd Academy programming, the fact is that the economy is not turning around fast enough for us to continue to maintain high quality programming at both Eckerd Academy campuses," stated Greg Holeman, who oversees Eckerd's Private Care Division. "We intend for this to be a temporary consolidation until market conditions improve."

Eckerd is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the staff members and the students involved. Staff members are being assisted in applying for other open positions within Eckerd's national system of care. We have also been partnering closely with our Blue Ridge families and referring professionals in developing comprehensive transition plans to further ease this transition for the Blue Ridge students.

Founded in 1968, Eckerd Academy at Brooksville was the first therapeutic program opened by Jack and Ruth Eckerd and the first privately funded outdoor therapeutic program in the state of Florida. Eckerd Academy at Brooksville is a licensed, SACS/CASI and COA accredited residential treatment center in an outdoor setting that specializes in helping boys and girls ages 10 - 17 reach their full potential. Eckerd Academy offers students individualized academic and therapeutic plans through a nurturing, strength-based approach. The program is helping its students achieve significant academic accomplishments - average gains of more than two years in reading and math in just six months.

Eckerd Academy is a program of Eckerd, a national nonprofit organization that has given much-needed second chances to more than 100,000 children since 1968. Eckerd offers a full continuum of nearly 30 life-changing behavioral health and child welfare programs and services nationwide.