Carter County Drug Prevention and Elizabethton River Riders partnering to keep Carter County families safe

Published 11:08 am Thursday, July 13, 2023

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In Carter County, more than 70% of children access medications not prescribed to them for the first time from their own homes. Carter County Drug Prevention and Elizabethton River Riders are teaming up to educate and equip families to prevent that from happening.

The first 100 families to enter the gate at this Friday’s 7 p.m. game at Northeast Community Credit Union Stadium, in which the River Riders will face the Greeneville Flyboys, will receive a free medication lock box. Families are also encouraged to bring any medications they no longer need or desire to have in their home to drop off for proper disposal.

“One of the most important things we can do for our community is to ensure that kids have access to safe and fun opportunities, so a partnership with the River Riders is a perfect way to provide that opportunity while also educating and supporting families,” said Carter County Drug Prevention Executive Director, Jilian Reece.

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Recent student surveys show the importance of events and awareness around preventing youth substance misuse in our community. The 2022‐2023 TN Together Student Survey was administered to 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students enrolled in Elizabethton City and Carter County public schools.

When asked, “Have you ever used prescription drugs not prescribed to you or just to get high?” 8.1% of Elizabethton and Carter County School students answered yes, while when asked, “Have you ever used any other illegal drugs to get high?” only 3.8% answered yes.

Prescription drugs include drugs that require a doctor’s prescription to purchase or consume like OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine, Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Klonopin, Benzos, Valium, Ativan, and Gabapentin. These do not include over‐the‐counter medicines. Other illegal drugs include substances like crack or powder cocaine, heroin, inhalants, barbiturates, steroids, etc.

Tickets to this Friday’s game can be purchased online or at the gate.