Metro Drug Coalition assembles panel of experts to answer community questions about youth substance misuse at a virtual town hall meeting.
On March 23, 2023, Metro Drug Coalition will host a virtual town hall meeting on youth substance misuse, and they are calling for questions surrounding the issue from Knox County community members. The panel, moderated by Star 102.1’s Kim Hansard, consists of professionals with diverse expertise and perspectives on substance misuse and how it impacts Knoxville’s youth.
Town Hall Panelists
- Karen Pershing, Executive Director of Metro Drug Coalition
- Josh Shaffer, Police Officer with the Knoxville Police Department
- Dr. Stephanie Shults, Pediatrician at Shults Pediatric
- Dr. Emily Woodrum, Clinical Psychologist at Cherokee Health
- Caro Douglas, Graduate Student at the University of Tennessee
Topics covered in the town hall will include vaping, underage drinking, prescription drug misuse, and overdoses. Data from the recently released 2022 Knox County Youth Behavior Risk Survey and the 2021 Drug Related Death Report reveal the pressing need to open a dialogue surrounding substance misuse in Knox County’s youth.
- 18% of students used an electronic vapor product during the last 30 days.
- More than one out of six students drank alcohol during the past 30 days.
- One out of six students used some form of illicit drug (excluding alcohol or tobacco) during the past 30 days.
- 9% have used a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription one or more times during their lifetimes.
- One out of four students were offered, sold, or given illegal drugs on school property during the past 12 months.
- The 2021 Drug-Related Death Report revealed a 46% increase in drug-related deaths among 15-24 year olds.
“Town halls are vital because they allow citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard, learn from a diverse group of community leaders, and leave feeling inspired to improve their communities,” said Sydney Ross, Metro Drug Coalition’s Youth Initiatives Coordinator. “This town hall will encourage open dialogue between members of the community and inspire collaboration to address the issue of substance misuse in Knox County youth.”
In order to include as many community voices as possible, the town hall will take place virtually over Zoom from 7 pm – 8 pm on March 23, 2023. Community members who would like to submit questions or register for this free event should visit metrodrug.org/townhall.
