Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Rural East Tennessee
By Fostering Healthy, Safe, and Secure Communities
LEARN MORENew Opportunities!
East Tennessee Rural Health Consortium Meeting
Virtual
October 18th, 1-3pm EST
Our next East Tennessee Rural Health Consortium Meeting will focus on reducing stigma related to SUD, OUD, and mental health challenges. This meeting will take place virtually on October 18th from 1-3pm EST. RSVP Here.
2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey & Adverse Childhood Events
October 10, 2024
A new CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report publication uses Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to understand current effects of adverse childhood events (ACEs) among U.S. high school students. This report uses self-reported data to determine trends over time. Read more Here.
Faith Leaders Wanted!
WVLT features Live Free, the Hill Church, and COURAGE
September 13th, 2024
WVLT recently featured our very own Kyle Prichard of the Hill Church and Joe Hoffman of Live Free Claiborne. This feature highlights their work in reducing the stigma of opioid use disorder recovery. Their efforts are inspiring other faith leaders to follow in their footsteps. Watch or read more here!
WVLT features COURAGE and Youth Empowerment
September 6th, 2024
WVLT recently featured our very own Mindy Grimm and Laurie Meschke’s efforts in Union County schools youth programing. This feature highlights youth empowerment, peer to peer mentorship, and our role in fostering brave spaces. We are ever thankful for the collaborations that make this work possible. Watch or read more here!
University of Tennessee, Knoxville publication features ETRHC and COURAGE
August 28th, 2024
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Research, Innovation & Economic Development’s publication highlighted ETRHC and COURAGE’s community projects addressing opioid use disorder in rural communities. Our very own Jennifer Tourville, Tyler Melton, and Laurie Meschke are featured in this publication. We would like to thank all of our community partners because your support makes this possible.
Watch Consortium Meeting Recording!
A big thank you to all who attended and participated in our most recent consortium meeting!
If you were unable to attend but want to learn more about adolescent substance use and recovery, please access the link to the meeting recording here
Current Newsletter Published!
Our Summer 2024 newsletter on adolescent substance use and recovery has been published! Click here to read.
Digital Stories
of Opioid Use Disorder
Mallie’s Story
Ron’s Story
April’s Story
Upcoming Events
Have an event you would like to add?
Email us at lucilang@vols.utk.edu
OPPORTUNITIES
Faith Leaders Wanted!
COURAGE is currently looking for faith leaders in Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Granger, Jefferson, Scott or Union Counties interested in learning about the impact of substance use disorder (SUD) in their community to help better support those impacted.
By becoming a part of COURAGE Faith Leaders Overcoming Opioids in the Community (FLOC), they can support and nurture those affected by SUD and learn ways to incorporate recovery support in their faith communities.
This is a 4-month program that includes a $500 stipend upon completion. To get involved, contact Marta Cogburn (First United Methodist Church, Newport) at martacogburn@gmail.com or Kyle Prichard (The Hill Church, Claiborne) at pastorkyle@thehillcc.net.
OTHER NEEDS
There are no other needs at this time…
In Loving Memory of The Honorable O. Duane Slone
January 19, 1963 — August 25, 2024
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of The Honorable O. Duane Slone. Judge Slone was the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court and an esteemed member of our consortium. Judge Slone served as an inspiration for many. He spent his life in service to his community. In 2009, he co-founded the district’s Drug Recovery Court. Many credit the Drug Recovery Court as key to reducing stigma and barriers to treatment. He served as chair of the multi-state Appalachian-Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, the Substance Misuse & Addiction Resources for Tennessee “SMART” Justice Network, and the Tennessee Judicial Conference Problem Solving Court Committee. Judge Slone’s efforts reached beyond his district—his work was recognized nationally. His legacy endures in the hearts and policies he has left behind.