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GREENEVILLE — Apex Bank, in partnership with the Greene County School System, will host a free event on August 2 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m., at 212 Tusculum Blvd. in Greeneville entitled “One Story at a Time.” The event offers an opportunity to learn about local addictions and ways to support those who struggle. Jessica Lahey, author of “The Addiction Inoculation, raising healthy kids in a culture of dependence,” will be the featured speaker and Sara Diamond, WJHL news anchor, will moderate. A full panel discussion will follow.
 
Jessica will speak on substance use disorders. “I am so excited for the opportunity to talk about substance use prevention in Greene County. As a mother of two boys, a teacher of adolescents in recovery, and as an alcoholic myself, it’s been incredibly gratifying to discover what really prevents substance use and substance use disorder,” stated Ms. Lahey. “We will discuss risk factors, and prevention strategies that outweigh those risks, and I will do a bit of myth busting so parents and educators can go home from the event with practical, useful advice for preventing substance use in their own families and in their communities at large.” 
 
“Many parents or guardians feel so alone when they have a child or loved one struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. They often feel like they have done something wrong as a parent/guardian and feel ashamed to ask for help,” stated Ken Bailey, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge. “This forum will be a great opportunity to learn about ways to help protect your child from the dangers of drugs & alcohol; and ways to help your child if they have taken steps down that path. I’m confident that this forum will also help everyone realize and understand addiction isn’t a family issue, instead, it is a community issue that we must all work to address.” 
 
David McLain, Director of Schools for the Greene County Schools, stated, “We hope that by providing this free opportunity to learn about substance abuse and addiction, we can bring awareness to our community and support those who may be struggling.” Mr. McLain continued to quote, “We are thankful for the sponsors who are supporting us in the big feat of educating and encouraging students, their families, and our community to build a strong future for Greene County.”
 
“It is our honor to partner with Misty Mercer and the staff of the Greene County Schools System, and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to bring this vitally important event to Greeneville,” stated Tammy L. Kinser, Greene County Market President with Apex Bank. “You will want to join us to learn more about what you, your business, church or civic organization can do to build a better, stronger community.”
 
Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and families in attendance will receive free food boxes. For more information, contact Misty Mercer at misty.mercer@gcstn.org.