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The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for the Carter County Drug Prevention and PEAK Mentoring Program on Thursday as they welcomed them to their new location.

Carter County Drug Prevention started in 2005 when a group of concerned citizens created a coalition to impact Carter County youth and their futures by preventing tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse.

Since then, they have grown to an organization serving hundreds of youth and families each year with classes, services, and programs.

“Our goals continue to be reducing substance abuse through bringing together diverse organizations who agree to work together to achieve a common goal for a healthier Carter County,” said Executive Director Jillian Reece. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue serving all of Carter County and bring these services to the South Hills community in our amazing new space.”

The PEAK Mentoring Program was established in 2019 by a grant awarded to the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department from the National Recreation and Parks Association.

This partnership between Carter County Drug Prevention and the Parks and Rec allows for staff and support to match at-risk youth with caring adults for mentorship.

“We are ecstatic to serve the needs of the South Hills community with this program,” said PEAK Mentor Program Coordinator Shannon Payne.

“Carter County Drug Prevention and PEAK Mentoring Program are such a great asset to our community,” said Chamber Director Joy McCray. “We appreciate all the support they provide for our neighbors in need.”

Carter County Drug Prevention and PEAK Mentoring Program are located at 210 South Hills Drive in Elizabethton.