Weather for the Following Location: Knoxville on Map

Community Unites in Knoxville for Overdose Awareness Day Amid Alarming Overdose Rates

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Together Against Overdoses

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Community Comes Together for Overdose Awareness Day

On August 30, 2024, the Knoxville community gathered at the Knoxville Convention Center to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. This annual event serves as a somber reminder of the impact of drug addiction while also providing hope and resources aimed at ending the stigma surrounding addiction.

Data from the Knox County District Attorney’s Office reveals stark and alarming figures: over 200 people have died from overdoses in Knox County this year alone, while almost 500 people lost their lives due to overdoses in 2023. These numbers serve as a urgent call to action for the community.

Voices of Recovery

Among the attendees was Katie Carringer, a peer recovery specialist who shared her personal journey. Three years ago, Caringer almost lost her life to an overdose. Today, she uses her experience to encourage others and advocate for those struggling. “If there’s a life that we can save, we want to save it because just, you know, like my life was worth saving,” she said with determination.

Carringer expressed profound gratitude for her recovery, stating, “It brings out a world of gratitude, to be able to be alive and to be able to help other people.” Her message was clear: everyone deserves a chance at recovery.

A Community Commitment

Jessica Stanley, from the Metro Drug Coalition, shared her motivations for organizing the event. She recounted her own feelings of isolation during her struggles with addiction and talked about the need for a supportive community. “I felt like I was everywhere screaming for help and would not get that help that I needed,” Stanley explained. “So it’s just amazing to be able to be on the other side, be that voice for some people who don’t get that help.”

Stanley emphasized the unity found in shared experiences, stating, “Today, no matter what people are coming for, if people are here today, they’re here for a purpose and we’re all here for that same purpose.” This sense of community is crucial for healing and recovery.

Support and Resources Available

At the heart of the day was a powerful message: people struggling with addiction are not alone. Both Carringer and Stanley highlighted that resources are readily available for those in need. “A lot of people feel ashamed of what they’ve been going through in addiction,” Carringer explained. “I just want to say that, you know, if you need help, there’s always somebody that can help you.”

The event also aimed to remember loved ones lost to addiction while offering information on prevention and support. Many attendees shared stories, tears, and hope. “There is a world of resources here today and all over the city that can help you and that your life is worth living and your life is worth saving,” Carringer added emphatically.

Fundraising for Recovery

In a move to further support recovery initiatives, all proceeds from the event went towards the Metro Drug Coalition’s Recovery Housing Support Fund. This fund is instrumental in helping individuals find safe living situations that are conducive to their recovery journey.

As individuals continue to gather strength through shared experiences, the community remains hopeful that initiatives like these will pave the way for a brighter future and contribute to a substantial decrease in overdose rates.

With the joint efforts of organizations, community members, and families, there’s a growing commitment to make Knoxville a place where everyone knows they are valued and that recovery is possible.


Community Unites in Knoxville for Overdose Awareness Day Amid Alarming Overdose Rates

HERE Knoxville
Author: HERE Knoxville

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Management Software for Contractors in Knoxville, TN

CMiC delivers top-tier construction management software for contractors in Knoxville, TN, seeking to improve project efficiency and reduce operational costs. The platform integrates financials, scheduling, and workforce planning into a single, cloud-based system, allowing contractors in Knoxville to track job progress in real time. From infrastructure developments to residential and commercial builds, CMiC provides the tools necessary to drive project success.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

SmartBank Tennessee Branch

New Leadership at SmartBank in Tennessee

News Summary Mike Honeycutt has been appointed as the new Tennessee division president of SmartBank. With over 25 years of banking experience, Honeycutt aims to

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!