On behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA); the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the State Justice Institute; and the National Association of Counties, the Institute for Intergovernmental Research is excited to share with you a new initiative, Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions. This new initiative is grounded in … Read more
Friends – the family that we choose – is celebrated on National Friendship Day on August 7. While friendships are important to all of us, close and supportive friends can be especially crucial to those in recovery. This is a day to celebrate and reflect on those relationships that often provide a foundation for those … Read more
August 18th is International Never Give Up Day. This day is a global celebration of cultivating a mindset of determination. Our experiences working and living with people affected by the opioid epidemic brings us into daily contact with those who “never give up.” This is a day to celebrate them! Go to https://www.nevergiveupday.com/10-best-things-to-do/ for some … Read more
July 24th is National Parents Day. It is meant to recognize “outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society.” Those involved in work with substance use disorders know that parenting with an SUD is difficult for the entire family. In 2017, there … Read more
The Fourth of July! Independence Day! July brings one of the biggest holidays of the year and a favorite party weekend for summer. While we enjoy the cookouts, fireworks, and other fun activities, these festivities can be triggers for people living in recovery, especially those that are in the early phases. Numerous recovery program websites … Read more
We would like to echo a message sent out by Positively Living Inc in Knoxville regarding HIV prevention: PrEP is preventative medication used by people who are HIV-negative but at high risk for being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. Individuals can take PrEP medication ahead of time in order to … Read more
July 28th is World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis C is one of the most common conditions associated with substance use disorders. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 300 million people in the world are infected with hepatitis and are completely unaware, and the rates of hepatitis in East Tennessee have dramatically risen following the opioid epidemic. … Read more
This month we would like to highlight the smartphone app NalaxoFind. NaloxoFind lets users register as a naloxone (Narcan) carrier or use the app to find naloxone carriers in an emergency, while waiting for emergency services to arrive. If a carrier is nearby they will be alerted when a naloxone request is made. The app allows … Read more
From the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs: Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. Help us spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that … Read more
According to the U.S. Department of Health, men die 5 years younger than women, and die at higher rates from 9 of the top 10 causes of death, including from substance use disorders and overdoses. This is frequently due to men placing their own health on a “back burner.” The Men’s Health Network recommends encouraging the … Read more
