Drug Endangered Children Who are Drug Endangered Children? National DEC defines drug endangered children as children who are at risk of suffering physical or emotional harm as a result of legal and/or illegal drug use, possession, manufacturing, cultivation, or distribution. They may also be children whose caretaker’s substance misuse interferes with the caretaker’s ability to parent and provide a safe and nurturing environment. Mission The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children teaches early identification, response and appropriate intervention services to children and families affected by parental or caregiver substance misuse. We equip comprehensive, multidisciplinary alliances, communities, organizations and individuals with access to our national resource center, trainings and technical assistance. The Challenge The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children defines drug endangered children as children who are at risk of suffering physical, mental or emotional harm as a result of parent or caregiver legal or illegal substance misuse. They may also be children whose caretaker’s legal or illegal substance use interferes with the caretaker’s ability to parent and provide a safe and nurturing environment. Childwelfare.gov shares that nearly 9 million children live with at least one parent who has an SUD (substance use disorder), which is more than 12 percent of all children in the United States. Children living in environments where legal or illegal substance misuse is present are often subject to adverse childhood events such as physical, emotional, and psychological trauma (Barnard & McKeganey, 2004), putting them at risk for negative long-term challenges. They may be affected by prenatal drug exposure which, depending on the substance used, frequency, quantity and duration may lead to poor prenatal care, poor nutrition, prematurity or other developmental challenges. Children may also be affected by postnatal, adverse childhood experiences that could have long term consequences. It can be assumed that ALL drug endangered children are at risk, but at how much risk and risk for what varies (Drug Endangered Children: Risk Factors & Neuropsychological and Psychosocial Development, Dr. Kiti Freier-Randall). The DEC challenge is identifying children affected by substance misuse environments as early as possible, intervening appropriately and providing services to the children and their family members. Children are often the first affected but can be the last recognized as being affected by substance misuse. National DEC teaches, trains and provides technical assistance support regarding the best practices for coordinating the various systems and professional disciplines able to intervene and provide services to these children and families in order to break the generational cycle of substance misuse. Reach out to Sevier County Drug Endangered Children Coordinator Laura Redden today! Laura Redden Sevier County Drug Endangered Children Coordinator Phone: (865) 469 - 3565 Email: lredden@seviercountytn.org

Shelters If you need a safe place, don’t wait—help is available , and taking the first step can make all the difference. If you’re in East Tennessee and in need of a safe place to sleep for the night, there are shelters available to provide you with warmth, security, and support. Whether you’re facing homelessness, experiencing a crisis, or simply need a temporary place to stay, local shelters are ready to offer assistance. These organizations provide not only a safe environment but also resources to help you get back on your feet. Explore the links below to find a shelter in your area and take the first step toward safety and stability tonight. Knox Area Rescue Ministries 865-971-4673 Learn More SafeSpace (domestic Violence) 800-244-5968 Learn More Samaritan Place (emerg. Senior housing) 865-684-1880 Learn More

Food If you’re in need of food assistance, there are local resources available to help you and your family get the support you need. If you're in need of food assistance in East Tennessee, there are many local resources ready to help. From food banks and pantries to community programs offering meal services, these organizations are dedicated to ensuring that you and your family have access to the nourishment you need. Whether you're facing temporary hardship or looking for long-term support, these services are here to provide food, guidance, and hope. Explore the options below to find the help that’s right for you. Lighting the Way Outreach & Food Ministry Thursdays 12pm-3pm 865-366-1322 Learn More Senior Center Food Programs 865-453-2020 Ext:105 Sevier Co Food Ministries Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12pm-4pm 865-428-5182 Learn More C.R.O.S.S. Ministries (Seymour) Monday-Wednesday 10am-2pm Thursday-Friday 10am-12pm 865-579-6192 Learn More Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority 865-453-7131 Learn More Douglas Cherokee Meals on Wheels 865-631-4120 Learn More Sevier County Health Department (WIC) 865-453-1032 Learn More Tn Dept of Human Services (Food Stamps) 865-429-7005 Learn More Richardson Cove Pantry 865-428-9223 Learn More First Baptist Church Sevierville 865-365-1916 Learn More God’s Food Pantry at First Baptist Church Gatlinburg 865-436-4685 Learn More Sunset Gap Food Pantry 423-623-4313 Learn More Salvation Army Food Pantry (865) 908-4010 Learn More

Legal Help Don’t face legal challenges alone, help is available to protect your rights and guide you forward. If you're looking for information and referral resources in Sevier County, there are organizations ready to connect you with the help you need. Whether you need assistance with food, housing, healthcare, employment, or other essential services, these programs can guide you to the right support. Navigating available resources can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Explore the links below to find trusted information and referrals that can help you take the next step toward stability and success. ETHRA Legal Assistance for the elderly 865-691-2551 Learn More Legal Aid of East TN 865-637-0484 Learn More Sevier County District Attorney’s Office 865- 429-7021 Learn More Sevier County Probation 865-505-0501

National Disaster Distress Helpline About The National Disaster Distress Helpline The National Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990 , is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Counseling Services The Disaster Distress Helpline puts people in need of counseling on the path to recovery. Our staff members provide counseling and support before, during, and after disasters and refer people to local disaster-related resources for follow-up care and support. Since its launch in February 2012, the Disaster Distress Helpline has provided counseling and support in response to disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and the Coronavirus pandemic. The Disaster Distress Helpline is staffed by trained counselors from a network of crisis call centers located across the United States. These counselors provide: Crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families Tips for healthy coping Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and support When you call or text, crisis counselors will listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment. There is no need to give any identifying information when you contact the Disaster Distress Helpline. The counselor may ask you for some basic information at the end of the call, but these questions are optional and are intended to help SAMHSA keep track of the types of calls it receives. Who Should Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline? This crisis support service is for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters such as: Tornadoes and Severe Storms Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Floods Wildfires Earthquakes Drought Incidents of Mass Violence Anniversaries and Trigger Events The Disaster Distress Helpline also answers calls and texts related to infectious disease outbreaks, such as the Coronavirus pandemic, incidents of community unrest, and other traumatic events. The impact of crises may affect people in different ways. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and risk factors for emotional distress related to natural and human-caused disasters. The Disaster Distress Helpline is open to everyone. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Call or Text From the United States and its territories, call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, 24/7. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support. Callers to the hotline can also connect with counselors in over 100 other languages via 3rd-party interpretation services; to connect with a counselor in your primary language, simply indicate your preferred language to the responding counselor and she/he will connect to a live interpreter (interpretation in less commonly-spoken languages may require calling back at an appointed time). Learn more and download information about the Disaster Distress Helpline in 30 of the most commonly-spoken languages in the U.S. Standard text and data message rates will apply when texting from mobile phones. International text and data rates may apply from within U.S. territories and free association nations. SAMHSA will not sell your phone numbers to other parties.

Alzheimer's For Alzheimer's-related support and resources in Tennessee, you can call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's is challenging, but help is available. Our website offers resources, support groups, and links to caregiving assistance. Visit today to find the guidance you need. Alzheimer’s Tennessee 865-544-6288 Learn More Brookdale of Sevierville 865-774-2221 Learn More Dominion Senior Living 865-365-4360 Learn More Freedom Senior Living 865-365-1916 Learn More Helpline 800-272-3900 Learn More Mountain Brooke Village 865-428-2445 Learn More

Veterans If you’re a veteran in need of immediate support, reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line for help by dialing 988 then pressing 1 or texting 838255. If you're a veteran in East Tennessee, there are numerous resources available to support you and your family. From healthcare and benefits assistance to employment services and community programs, local organizations are dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. Whether you need help navigating VA benefits, finding mental health support, or connecting with veteran services, these programs can provide the guidance you need. Explore the links below to access the resources that will help you thrive in your civilian life. Sevier County Veterans Services 865-453-8073 Learn More Sevierville Veterans Clinic 865-286-6950 Learn More TN Coalition for Homeless-Veterans 877-488-8234 Learn More VA Questions 1-800-MyVA411 1-800-698-2411 Learn More Volunteers of America-Homeless Vets 865-524-3926 Ext: 261

Counseling If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available — call the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK If you’re seeking support through difficult times, our website offers resources for finding professional counseling services. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges, stress, or relationship issues, there are programs available to help you. Great Smokies Life Coaching 865-573-0698 Learn More Cherokee Health Systems 865-573-0698 Learn More McNabb Center 865-429-0557 Learn More National Suicide Prevention 988 OR 800-273-8255 Learn More Peninsula Outpatient Center (Sevier) 865-970-9800 Learn More Youth Villages 865-560-2550 Learn More

Sexual Assault If you or someone you know is in danger Dial 911 Immediately If you suspect sexual assault or know someone in Tennessee who may be at risk, don’t stay silent—help is available. Our website provides essential resources to report assault, connect with support services, and support survivors in seeking justice and healing. Every individual deserves safety, dignity, and respect, and your action can make a difference. Sexual Assault Center 865-522-7273 Learn More

Child Abuse If you suspect your child or a child you know is in danger Dial 911 Immediately If you suspect child abuse or need support, don’t wait—take action today. Our website provides essential resources for Tennesseans to report abuse, find assistance, and protect children in need. Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment, and your voice can make a difference. Tennessee Domestic Violence Helpline 800-356-6767 Learn More Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center 865-774-1777 Learn More TN Dept. of Childrens Services 865-429-7012 Learn More

Family Planning Take control of your family’s future with the support and resources you need to make confident choices. Planning for your family’s future is an important step, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need access to affordable healthcare, pregnancy support, birth control options, or parenting resources, the services listed below can provide the guidance and assistance you need. These organizations offer expert advice, financial assistance, and educational programs to help you make informed decisions that are best for you and your family. Explore the resources below to find the support that fits your needs and take control of your family planning journey today. Pregnancy Resource Center 865-428-4673 Learn More Sevier County Health Department 865-453-1032 Learn More