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AveNew is a community drug education and prevention coalition in Kingsport, Tennessee striving to create a healthy and safe community free of substance misuse. Our goals include raising community awareness, increasing access to evidence-based prevention education for young people, reducing stigma surrounding substance use and recovery, and connecting those affected by addiction to available services and resources. Members of the AveNew coalition are from diverse sectors of the community - business, law enforcement, schools, local government, health, media, parents, youth, and the faith-based community.
Addressing the overdose and addiction epidemic continues to be an urgent issue facing our region.
Working together, we can effect positive change.
Mission
Educate our community about the impact of substance misuse;
Prevent people of all ages from misusing substances;
Connect people to community resources, and
Support and promote efforts to increase resiliency in our community.
Vision
AveNew’s vision is to make the Greater Kingsport area a safer, healthier and more resilient community by addressing substance misuse and guiding those impacted through education, prevention, and connection.
History
The United Way of Greater Kingsport (UWGK) has long been known as a catalyst for positive change, helping to create and build the resources necessary to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in our area. Several years ago, it became clear that northeast Tennessee was experiencing an epidemic of drug abuse, a problem that impacted every part of our community – families, healthcare providers, law enforcement, employers, schools, and more. UWGK formed a Drug Task force to study the issues related to substance misuse in the region. From there, a community coalition – AveNew – was formed. While AveNew is under oversight and management of its own Leadership and Steering Teams, we are thankful for UWGK’s continuing support in providing a part-time staff member to work with AveNew and for grant funding.
Contact
423-378-3409 x 18
AveNew@uwaykpt.org
If you need immediate assistance for yourself or a loved one,
call or text the TN Redline: 1-800-889-9789
Have you had an overdose or fear that you might?
Or is someone you care about in that situation?
423-408-8134
Are you thinking about suicide or worried about a love one who might be?
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-8255
Are you looking for assistance in finding recovery options?
Looking for help? The links below share a variety of resources for issues related to substance misuse. However, we know this is a complicated issue. If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to us at avenew@uwaykpt.org or 423-378-3409 x18.
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This guide can help you find:
- Substance use/misuse treatment resources and recovery meetings
- Assistance with locating food pantries
- Help paying a utility bill
- Someone to talk to about a child or adult that is in danger or being harmed or harming themselves
Our Words Matter. Many words associated with substance use disorder are stigmatizing and using those words can prevent people who need treatment from seeking help. They can build a person up or they can tear a person down. They can offer comfort and healing, or they can produce fear and shame. Our words can be the difference between life and death. Our words can encourage someone and empower them to seek assistance.
Take the Our Words Matter Pledge
and agree to describe addiction as a treatable disease and use person-centered language such as a person with substance use disorder instead of words that hurt like "addict" or "junkie".
"Not only do words shape
how we view people,
but words also shape
how we treat them."
Addictionary: A dictionary tool for de-stigmatized language around SUD
Recovery is possible. Take a look at some stories below.
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Everyone has a part to play as we work together to educate our community about the impact of substance misuse, promote evidence-based prevention programs and connect people to resources.
Contact us if you would like to:
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Understand more about the science of addiction and resiliency building
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Learn about current prevention efforts
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Host a training or educational event for your workplace, school, church or organization
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Sign-up to join a Youth Coalition or be a Youth Mentor
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Join the First Tennessee Development District Second Chance Employment Network
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Become a Tennessee Faith-Based Initiative Certified Recovery Congregation
- The the Words Matter pledge
Call us at: 423-378-3409 ext. 18 or email us at: avenew@uwaykpt.org
Through the collaborate efforts of our team members and program partners, we continue the work of making the Greater Kingsport area a safer, healthier, and more resilient community. Our Leadership and Steering Teams consist of regional experts, area stakeholders, and community members who volunteer their time and talents to set the overall vision and program direction. Our Program Partners are service providers and other non-profit organizations we have worked with to plan and support programs and events.
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