Metro Drug Coalition

02/19/2026

From time to time we see new substances emerge in our community. Whenever this happens, we emphasize the impact prevention, overdose prevention, and recovery services can have.

For resources and education around overdose prevention reach out to our ROPS: rops@metrodrug.org

For treatment call our lifeline: 865-410-9527

metrodrug.org/resources

New public health alerts warn of emerging synthetic opioids appearing in drug supplies. Recent alerts from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and the Colombo Plan highlight these drugs' detection in multiple states and internationally, with critical information for prevention professionals.

Learn more: https://www.cadca.org/blog/new-alerts-highlight-emerging-synthetic-opioid-risks/

02/18/2026

With Day of Hope approaching, Kaylee talks about where she has found hope.

Celebrate hope in our community at our Day of Hope event:
📅 March 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 Fountain City Methodist Church
212 Hotel Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918

Buy your tickets here: metrodrug.org/dayofhope

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

02/15/2026

The silly stuff you do with your kids? It’s also where they learns connection, balance, and joy without outside fixes.

02/14/2026

Been busy in the community this week!

🟢 YMDC retreat to prepare for Day on the Hill

🏈 Gameday at the Gateway Superbowl watch party

🍞 Talking about Positive Childhood Experiences on the Daily Bread Podcast which will be aired in March

📹 Interview with WVLT news about how we work with other community organizations to use evidence based practices

💜 A Heart Full of Resources fair in Scott County

🧸 Presenting on Substance Use and Mental Wellness

🎻 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra concert at the Gateway

📙 Attended University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Grand Challenge Summit where substance misuse was a key focus

🌞 Prevention Basics training for the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking - CCAHT

02/11/2026

Today the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Wellness Quartet treated us to a beautiful concert at the Gateway.

Music is powerful and can provide hope and healing for those who are in recovery.

Thank you for sharing with us Knoxville Symphony Orchestra!
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Enjoy more music from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra during our Gateway Concert Series:
🎶 March 11 at Noon
🎵 April 8 at Noon
🎼 May 20 at Noon

All performances at the Gateway are free and open to the public.

02/11/2026

We're a proud partner of the SMART initiative. At Metro Drug Coalition, we make an effort to collaborate with other organizations to gather resources and information that help us tackle substance misuse in our community.

UT President Randy Boyd delivers State of the University address | https://tinyurl.com/5ckkajzs

02/11/2026

At the 2026 East Tennessee Opioid Conference, we'll be discussing topics related to substance misuse in our community.

This conference offers 6.5 hours of CME credits and is especially applicable for those working in medical, prevention, and substance misuse related fields.

Registration closes February 18th.

Register today, in-person space is limited: metrodrug.org/etoc

02/09/2026

While cannabis can have negative health effects on anyone who uses it, it's particularly harmful for youth and young adults whose brains are still developing.

Using cannabis, especially at higher potencies, can negatively interfere with brain functioning and potentially affect academic and social outcomes.

For help quitting, give our lifeline coordinator a call at 865-410-9527

Source: Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities: CHASCo tnchasco.org/cannabis-prevention

02/07/2026

Been busy at Metro Drug Coalition lately!

🪴Annual East Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth(ETCCY) Legislative Lunch on the River event

🌳 Tabling at South College

🌼 FLOURISH Training at the Gateway

🌸 Overdose Awareness Training at The Magnolia Ministries

🍏 Metro Drug Coalition board meeting

🪷 Union County Faith & Healing Forum

🌱 East Tennessee Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (ETAADAC) meeting with training by George Massengill

🌿 Handing out resources at this weekend's Remote Area Medical - RAM Clinic

🌺 Interview with WBIR Channel 10 about a new and emerging substance

02/06/2026

Check out this story about a new drug popping up in Knox County. Brandon, one of our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists, talks about community efforts to learn more about it.

To get into treatment, call our lifeline: 865-410-9527

For overdose prevention information and resources, reach out to our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists: 865-255-6205

A new synthetic opioid, N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, is linked to 16 overdose deaths in Tennessee and it is spreading rapidly.

02/05/2026

Jeremiah talks about where he has found hope

What brings you hope?

Join us for our Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast on March 10th at 8:00am as we come together and recognize this year's theme: Hope Lives Here.

Find info and event tickets at metrodrug.org/dayofhope

02/03/2026

Join us for all the exciting events we have going on this month!

Feb 4 - Online Mom’s Support Group* metrodrug.org/aces-support
Feb 4 - TN-ARR Operators Hour **
Feb 6 - Bingo and Group Fitness class
Feb 8 - Gameday at the Gateway metrodrug.org/events
Feb 11 - Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Concert metrodrug.org/events
Feb 13 - Karaoke and Group Fitness class
Feb 18 - Online Mom’s Support Group metrodrug.org/aces-support
Feb 20 - Bingo and Group Fitness class
Feb 24 - Community Coalition Meeting metrodrug.org/events
Feb 26 - East Tennessee Opioid Conference* metrodrug.org/etoc
Feb 27 - Karaoke and Group Fitness class

* Event requires preregistration
** UPDATE: Due to the Weather the TN-ARR Operators Hour has been moved to the first week in March

Stay up to date with all upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter. Find it in the footer at this link: metrodrug.org/