Spouse Abuse If you or someone you know is in danger Dial 911 Immediately If you suspect spousal abuse or know someone in Tennessee who may be at risk, don’t stay silent—help is available. Our website provides essential resources to report abuse, connect with support services, and support survivors in finding safety and justice. Every individual deserves respect, security, and a life free from violence, and your action can make a difference. Family Anger Management 865-771-0561 Learn More SafeSpace Shelter (domestic violence) 865-453-9254 Learn More Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Domestic & Family Violence 865-453-4668 Ext: 9 Learn More Sexual Assault Center 865-522-7273 Learn More

Parenting Don’t hesitate to seek help, support is available to make your parenting journey easier and more fulfilling. If you’re seeking help with parenting, there are resources available to support you through every stage of raising a child. Whether you’re looking for advice on child development, strategies for managing behavior, or guidance on balancing family life, local organizations and programs are here to help. Parenting can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Explore the resources below to find valuable tools, support networks, and expert advice to assist you on your parenting journey. McNabb Center 800-255-9711 Learn More Relative Caregiver Program 865-307-5143 Learn More TN Child support Employment & Parenting 865-456-0167 Learn More Sevier County Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs/Sevier County C.A.R.E.S. 865-469-3565 Learn More Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains 865-428-6550 Learn More Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority, INC Head Start Programs 423-587-4501 Learn More Parent Helpline 800-356-6767

Treatment and Recovery About Treatment and Recovery Drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs. But over time, a person's ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised. Seeking and taking the drug becomes compulsive. This is mostly due to the effects of long-term drug exposure on brain function. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior. There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including behavioral counseling; medication; medical devices, and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training; evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety; and long-term follow-up to prevent relapse. A range of care with an additional treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community and family support to help you through withdrawals and prevention of relapse. TN Redline The Tennessee REDLINE is the 24/7/365 resource for substance abuse treatment referrals. Since 1989, the Tennessee REDLINE has served as a referral service to addiction treatment for people and their families looking for help for substance use disorder. The service is provided by the Tennessee Association for Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) though a contract with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals. Make a plan A successful Treatment & Recovery Plan may incorporate multiple components targeting specific aspects of the addiction and its consequences. It's key to have a solid support system to help you through the plan such as family, support groups, or even religion-based support. Lifeline The Lifeline Peer Project is established to reduce stigma related to the disease of addiction and increase access to substance abuse recovery like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Lifeline Representatives help start Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, and other self-help support groups. They help connect individuals with treatment and they speak publicly about their own personal experience with recovery. There are 10 Lifeline coordinators serving regions state wide and 10 hybrid Lifeline coordinators focusing on rural, distressed counties. The map includes the locations of the Lifeline Coordinators along with their direct contact information. Reach Out To Sevier County's Lifeline Director Today! Lea Wilson Sevier County Lifeline Coordinator Phone: 865-507-0353 Email: lwilson@seviercountytn.gov Find Your Local Lifeline Director Find a Meeting Alcoholics Anonymous (865) 974-9888 East TN AA Narcotics Anonymous (866) 617-1710 Narcotics Anonymous Crisis Intervention Mobile Crisis Mobile Crisis Services is a 24/7/365 response team for those who are experiencing a mental health emergency. Services include Mobile Crisis Services for children and youth. You may access both adult and children and youth services by calling the Statewide Crisis Line or your local Mobile Crisis phone number. See the list of agencies below and the counties they serve. Call 865-539-2049 National Suicide Prevention Line When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Call 9-8-8 Human Trafficking National Human Trafficking Hotline The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. Call 888-373-7888 Learn More Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline The National Human Trafficking Hotline works closely with service providers, law enforcement, and other professionals in Tennessee to serve victims and survivors of trafficking, respond to human trafficking cases, and share information and resources. Call 855-558-6484 Learn More Harm Reduction & Faith-Based Resources Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee as a point of contact for training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone. They provide harm reduction training, work to address stigma, and increase public awareness. Reach Out To Sevier County's Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Today! Open Position Sevier County's Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Phone: Email: Find Your ROPS Here Regional Faith-Based Community Coordinator The TDMHSAS Faith-Based Community Coordinators are people with lived experience who connect with communities of faith to recruit, train, and certify through the Tennessee Certified Recovery Congregation program. For East Tennessee’s Faith-Based Community Coordinator, Ashlee Crouse, call 865-318-4919. Find Your Faith Based Cooridinator Here

Counterfeit Pills Public Safety Alert Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. DEA has seized a record 79.5 million fentanyl pills to date in 2023, which already exceeds last year’s totals of 58 million pills. What are counterfeit pills? The Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion are making fentanyl and pressing it into fake pills. Fake pills are made to look like OxyContin®, Xanax®, Adderall®, and other pharmaceuticals. These fake pills contain no legitimate medicine. Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone. DEA officials report a dramatic rise in the number of fake pills containing at least 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered a potentially lethal dose. Drug traffickers are using fake pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse. In 2022, an estimated 110,757 people died by drug poisoning in the United States. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid most commonly found in fake pills, is the primary driver in this alarming increase in poisoning deaths. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. DEA has seized a record 86 million fentanyl pills to date in 2023, which already exceeds last year’s totals of 58 million pills. 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. Unmasking Fake Pills Here are the Facts about Fentanyl What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Tolerance occurs when you need a higher and/or more frequent amount of a drug to get the desired effects. In its prescription form, fentanyl is known by such names as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze® Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. How do people use fentanyl? When prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can be given as a shot, a patch that is put on a person’s skin, or as lozenges that are sucked like cough drops. The illegally used fentanyl most often associated with recent overdoses is made in labs. This synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like other prescription opioids. Some drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option. This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive. They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose. To learn more about the mixture of fentanyl into other drugs, visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Facts on fentanyl . How does fentanyl affect the brain? Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by binding to the body's opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions.8 After taking opioids many times, the brain adapts to the drug, diminishing its sensitivity, making it hard to feel pleasure from anything besides the drug. When people become addicted, drug seeking and drug use take over their lives. Fentanyl's effects include extreme happiness drowsiness nausea confusion constipation sedation problems breathing unconsciousness Can you overdose on fentanyl? Yes, a person can overdose on fentanyl. An overdose occurs when a drug produces serious adverse effects and life-threatening symptoms. When people overdose on fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can lead to a coma and permanent brain damage, and even death. How can a fentanyl overdose be treated? As mentioned above, many drug dealers mix the cheaper fentanyl with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine to increase their profits, making it often difficult to know which drug is causing the overdose. NALOXONE is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. But fentanyl is stronger than other opioid drugs like morphine and might require multiple doses of naloxone. Because of this, if you suspect someone has overdosed, the most important step to take is to call 911 so they can receive immediate medical attention. Once medical personnel arrive, they will administer naloxone if they suspect an opioid drug is involved. Naloxone is available as an injectable (needle) solution and nasal sprays (NARCAN® and KLOXXADO®). People who are given naloxone should be monitored for another two hours after the last dose of naloxone is given to make sure breathing does not slow or stop. Some states have passed laws that allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a personal prescription. Friends, family, and others in the community can use the nasal spray versions of naloxone to save someone who is overdosing. Read more in Naloxone DrugFacts . source: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl Criminal drug networks are flooding the U.S. with deadly fake pills. — Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public. — Fake pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly. — Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone. — Many fake pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®). Fentanyl There is significant risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl. Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and creating counterfeit pills increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. The opioid threat remains at epidemic levels, affecting large portions of the country Fentanyl There is significant risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl. Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and creating counterfeit pills increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. The opioid threat remains at epidemic levels, affecting large portions of the country How would my child get fentanyl? Drug traffickers are using social media to advertise drugs and conduct sales. If you have a smartphone and a social media account, then a drug trafficker can find you. Drug traffickers advertise on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. These advertisements are in disappearing, 24-hour stories and in posts, which are promptly posted and removed. Posts and stories are often accompanied by known code words and emojis that are used to market and sell illicit and deadly drugs on social media. These code words and emojis are designed to evade detection by law enforcement and by the preset algorithms used by social media platforms. Why you should be concerned. The drug landscape is dramatically different from when you grew up, or even from just a few years ago. All parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug threats to be able to have informed talks with their kids. Tips for Parents and Caregivers Encourage open and honest communication Explain what fentanyl is and why it is so dangerous Stress not to take any pills that were not prescribed to you from a doctor No pill purchased on social media is safe Make sure they know fentanyl has been found in most illegal drugsCreate an “exit plan” to help your child know what to do if they’re pressured to take a pill or use drugs

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

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

Housing A stable home is within reach — take the next step toward security and hope today. If you’re in need of housing assistance, there are resources available to help you find safe and stable living arrangements. Whether you're facing eviction, struggling to afford rent, or searching for emergency shelter, the programs linked below can provide support. From rental assistance and temporary housing to long-term affordable housing solutions, these services are here to help you get back on your feet. Explore the links below to find the assistance that best fits your needs. Breckenridge Apartments 865-774-8885 Gateway Village 865-453-1729 LeConte Terrace Apartments (Seniors) 865-774-8885 McElhaney Glen Apts (Seniors) Seymour 865-579-4886 Park Village Apartments 865-428-5280 Renaissance Square (Seniors) Seymour 865-579-4886 Sevierville Housing Authority 865-453-8500 Riverview Apartments (Seniors) 865-453-0824 Woodland Park (Seniors) 865-429-6896 Samaritan Place (emerg. Senior housing) 865-684-1880 Learn More TN Valley Coalition for Homeless 888-556-0791 Learn More Douglas Cherokee Housing Authority 865-453-7131 Learn More

Transportation If you need reliable transportation, explore the resources below to find options that can help you get where you need to go. If you're in need of transportation services in East Tennessee, there are various resources available to help you get where you need to go. Whether you require public transit, ridesharing options, or specialized transportation for medical appointments, local programs can provide reliable and affordable solutions. These services are designed to ensure you can access essential destinations, including work, healthcare, and other important activities. Explore the links below to find the transportation services that best meet your needs and get moving today. East TN Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) 865-244-1700 Learn More Gatlinburg Trolley 865-436-3897 Learn More My Ride Sevier County (Seniors only) 865-773-0715 Learn More Pigeon Forge & Sevierville Trolley 800-772-1213 Learn More

Sevier County Resource Guide H elp is available , seeking out the resources you need is the first step towards healing and support. The Sevier County Resource Guide is a user-friendly, all-in-one hub for residents of Sevier County and much of East Tennessee. Simply select the category you need assistance with, and you'll be directed to a dedicated page filled with relevant resources. If you're facing a challenging time and need support, numerous resources are available to help, don't hesitate and reach out. CHILD ABUSE ELDER ABUSE SEXUAL ASSAULT SPOUSE ABUSE ADULT EDUCATION ALZHEIMERS CANCER CLOTHING/FURNITURE COUNSELING DEBIT/CREDIT COUNSELING DISASTER ASSISTANCE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FAMILY PLANNING FOOD FREE MEALS HOUSING HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION & REFERRAL LEGAL HELP MEDICAL HEALTH SERVICES PARENTING SENIOR PROGRAMS SHELTERS SUBSTANCE MISUSE TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES VETERANS