News Summary
The Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition hosted its annual Prevention Pool Night at Hardin Park, attracting local families despite rain. The event included swimming, free food, and valuable information on substance use prevention. Although attendees faced a temporary evacuation due to lightning, the night served as a community-building experience focusing on addressing recent drug overdose concerns in the area.
Greene County, TN – The Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition successfully hosted its annual Prevention Pool Night at Hardin Park on a recent Thursday evening, despite challenging weather conditions. The event attracted local families and children who enjoyed a fun night of swimming, food, and awareness about substance use prevention.
Hundreds of community members participated in the event, which featured a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees were treated to free food options including pizza slices, chocolate chip cookies, and beverages. A DJ provided lively music that kept the atmosphere festive, ensuring that guests could enjoy themselves despite the rain.
However, the evening was not without interruptions. An hour into the event, attendees were temporarily evacuated from the pool area due to safety concerns regarding lightning in the vicinity. Fortunately, the pool area reopened about 45 minutes later when it was deemed safe for swimming again.
Prevention Pool Night is typically held before the start of the school year, allowing families to gather information on substance use prevention as part of the coalition’s ongoing efforts. This year’s event was originally scheduled for August 2 but was postponed due to another round of stormy weather.
The need for such events has heightened recently, as Greene County has seen a troubling increase in drug overdoses. Notably, there have been three fatal overdoses reported in the past three weeks, including a particularly alarming case on July 27, which involved a combination of heroin, meth, and fentanyl. Additionally, there have been up to ten non-fatal overdoses in just the last two weeks.
During the event, the Anti-Drug Coalition set up an information booth to distribute materials on substance abuse prevention. They also provided naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, at no cost to attendees. This initiative demonstrates the coalition’s commitment to addressing the ongoing drug crisis in the area.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Department participated by conducting child car seat safety checks, enhancing community welfare during the event. Other local organizations joined in, including the CARE Center, Isaiah 117 House, Greeneville Police Department, school resource officers, Save the Children, Ballad Health Strong Futures, and Frontier Health, all working together to promote health and safety.
Families attending the event expressed their appreciation for the activities and the sense of community fostered during the evening. Various attendees noted that the night served as not only a fun outing but also an important opportunity to discuss substance abuse prevention in a supportive environment.
The event was funded through a grant provided by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, underscoring the importance of state-supported initiatives aimed at combating substance addiction issues. The collaborative efforts of local agencies and the Anti-Drug Coalition highlight the community’s commitment to tackling the growing concerns surrounding drug use and its consequences.
As Greene County grapples with an increase in drug-related incidents, community events like Prevention Pool Night play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing vital resources to help those in need while fostering a supportive atmosphere for families.
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Additional Resources
- Greeneville Sun: Anti-Drug Coalition Hosts Prevention Pool Night
- WGRV: Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition Pool Night Rescheduled
- WGRV: Driver Faces 14 Charges After Fleeing Traffic Stop
- Google Search: Substance Abuse Prevention
- Wikipedia: Substance Abuse
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