The mission of the United Way of Greater Kingsport is to improve lives by addressing local health and human service needs. Several years ago, we recognized that one of the biggest needs in our community was the drug use crisis, and the negative impacts it has on individuals, families, and the workforce in our community. In 2016 we formed the Drug Abuse Task Force and began working with other community partners to identify the needs and learn how we could help, by addressing root causes. The work of the Drug Abuse Task Force led the UWGK Board of Directors to identify Drug Abuse as a prioritized Community Impact Strategy and also resulted in the approval to hire Joy Shoun, our full- time staff position coordinating this initiative. The initiative, now known as AveNew, will focus on areas of drug education, prevention, community awareness and stigma reduction. We will also work towards building resiliency in both children and adults through parenting programs.
If you are looking for resources related to drug education, prevention, or recovery in the area, please see below.
RESOURCES & EDUCATION:
Substance Use Disorder Resource Flyer
United Way of Greater Kingsport 2018 Drug Education Video - "Know The Truth"
Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
TN Together: Ending the Opioid Crisis
LifeLine Coordinator & Northeast Tennessee Resource Guide
Sullivan County Overdose Response Team