Laurie Meschke

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Healthy relationships are important. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. One in 10 teens will experience dating violence between the ages of 13 and 20. To learn more about the events of Teen Dating Violence Awareness month and how to help the teens in your life visit this website. Please also take a moment … Read more

National Movement to Combat Stigma

Stigma is often the largest barrier preventing individuals with substance use disorders from receiving the help they need. Join the national movement to combat stigma, because there’s #NoShame in getting help for mental health and addiction. Take the #noshame pledge from SAFE Project here.

Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The Department of Homeland Security hosts the Blue Campaign as a way to educate the public on the indicators of human trafficking, how to identify victims, and how to report any suspicious activity. Please take a few minutes to visit here to educate yourself to help end … Read more

New Year’s Resolution to Reduce OUD Stigma

This year make one of your New Year’s Resolutions to help decrease stigma and evaluate the language you use when discussing substance use and recovery. Attached is a brief language guide from the National Institute of Health that can be used as a guide.

University’s Efforts To Address Opioid Use Disorder

University of Tennessee, Knoxville introduced UT’s efforts to understand and address opioid use disorder, and current opioid research projects from faculty and student’s angels: collaboration is key for faculty combating substance misuse and opioid research provides experiential learning for students.

Ten Tips for Staying Sober During The Holidays

Staying sober during the holidays can be a challenge. It is often a stressful, pressure-filled, lonely time, that brings up difficult emotions & past memories of substance use. Attached are 10 tips for staying sober this holiday season from the Recovery Research Institute.

Reducing Stigma Surrounding Substance Use Disorders

Even though over 20.3 million people in the United States struggle with substance use, nearly half of Americans don’t think that addiction is a disease. Over 30% of people view addiction as a “character flaw”. Substance use disorders are not a moral failure. This stigma prevents those suffering from getting medical help. Please take a … Read more

UTHSC Project ECHO OUD Training Sessions

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a movement to demonopolize knowledge and amplify local capacity to provide best practice care for all people all over the world. The ECHO model is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations by equipping communities with the right knowledge, at the right place, at … Read more

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Tie One On For Safety Holiday

Make sure you and your loved ones make it safely home for the holidays. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Tie One On For Safety Holiday campaign encourages you to hand over your keys and always designate a sober driver to get you home. From November 16th to December 31st, remember that it is much more important … Read more

Great American Smokeout

For the last 40 years, the Great American Smokeout has occurred on the third Thursday of every November. This year it falls on November 19th, 2020, and it couldn’t be a better day to quit smoking. Join others in kicking tobacco habits, whether is cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes. This event is sponsored by the … Read more