As the state continues to look at ways to combat drug and substance abuse, residents in Carter County will have a chance to learn more about how they can help.
The Northeast Tennessee Faith Based Recovery Network will host their first ever meeting in the county on Monday, April 3, at West Side Christian Church from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with free admission.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to host the faith based network here in Elizabethton,” said Jilian Reece, Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition director. “Different resources will be available to help address drug and substance issues here in the region.”
The event is geared toward faith-based organizations but the public is encouraged to come out, Reece added.
“Typically when someone is battling with addiction, they’ll reach out to their local church,” she said. “The goal of the network is to reach the organizations and churches to help them with understanding addiction, recovery and how they can help.”
The State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services is continually working to build a recovery network made up of “compassionate and concerned” citizens who are reaching out to individuals struggling with addiction and connecting them to vital substance abuse services.
Monday’s event is sponsored by Insight Alliance, based out of Washington County. Jason Abernathy, who works with Insight, serves as LifeLine Coordinator that services the eight counties in the region. Abernathy said the number one goal of tackling addiction is speaking openly about it.
“Our goal is to get rid of the stigma that comes with addiction,” Abernathy told the Elizabethton Star. “The first step is to talk about it. Churches are normally where you see 12 step programs being held. Our goal with the network is for the region to come together to help those going through problems. If one area doesn’t have a church or meeting place, they can go through the network and find the best place for a person to go. We want to continue building up these partnerships.”
Churches and organizations have the ability to be certified by the state, free of charge, and receive training and resources to help in situations with those battling with addiction.
Along with providing resources to the public, Reece added a panel of local health experts will be on hand to provide information about drug and substance abuse in the area.
“This is a problem that affects all sectors of life,” she said. “We’re hoping people have a chance to come by the event and learn more about what’s going on and about the resources that are available.”
CCDP has implemented different programs in place to assist with drug prevention while the county has seen different outlets opening, including Recovery Soldiers Ministries and First Judicial District Felony Recovery Court.
Church, community leaders and other members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting. Registration for the event can be accessed by visiting insightalliance.org and by clicking the “Register Now on Eventbrite”.