A substance use disorder is a preventable and treatable chronic disease. It is important to know the facts, the risk factors from using at a young age, and what treatment options are available.
Call or text the TN Redline 24/7 at 1-800-889-9789 for free and confidential referrals.
It is important to talk about the effects substance use has on a child's developing brain.
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Prevention does work and we all have a part to play in helping our children and teens understand the affects of substance, learn about their risk factors, and develop habits to deal with the ups and downs of life in a healthy way. If you would like to join our prevention network, please reach out to us at avenew@uwaykpt.org or 423-378-3409 x18.
MIND YOUR GENES
PROTECT YOUR BRAIN
AGE MATTERS
VAPING: THE HIT YOUR BRAIN TAKES
There are many roads that can lead to long-term recovery. Sometimes, hearing another person's story can help you find your path.
Call or text the TN Redline 24/7 at 1-800-889-9789 for free and confidential referrals.
AveNew is a community drug education and prevention coalition in Kingsport, Tennessee striving to create a healthy and safe community free of substance misuse. Our goals include raising community awareness, increasing access to evidence-based prevention education for young people, reducing stigma surrounding substance use and recovery, and connecting those affected by addiction to available services and resources. Members of the AveNew coalition are from diverse sectors of the community - business, law enforcement, schools, local government, health, media, parents, youth, and the faith-based community.
Addressing the overdose and addiction epidemic continues to be an urgent issue facing our region.
Working together, we can effect positive change.
Mission
Educate our community about the impact of substance misuse;
Prevent people of all ages from misusing substances;
Connect people to community resources, and
Support and promote efforts to increase resiliency in our community.
Vision
AveNew’s vision is to make the Greater Kingsport area a safer, healthier and more resilient community by addressing substance misuse and guiding those impacted through education, prevention, and connection.
Everyone has a part to play as we work together to educate our community about the impact of substance misuse, promote evidence-based prevention programs and connect people to resources.
Contact
423-378-3409 x 18
AveNew@uwaykpt.org
History
The United Way of Greater Kingsport (UWGK) has long been known as a catalyst for positive change, helping to create and build the resources necessary to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in our area. Several years ago, it became clear that northeast Tennessee was experiencing an epidemic of drug abuse, a problem that impacted every part of our community – families, healthcare providers, law enforcement, employers, schools, and more. UWGK formed a Drug Task force to study the issues related to substance misuse in the region. From there, a community coalition – AveNew – was formed. While AveNew is under oversight and management of its own Leadership and Steering Teams, we are thankful for UWGK’s continuing support in providing a part-time staff member to work with AveNew and for grant funding.
Through the collaborate efforts of our team members and program partners, we continue the work of making the Greater Kingsport area a safer, healthier, and more resilient community. Our Leadership and Steering Teams consist of regional experts, area stakeholders, and community members who volunteer their time and talents to set the overall vision and program direction.
AveNew Leadership Team
Vanessa Bennett, Allen Rau, Johanna Montgomery, Susie Pedersen, Shanan Smith, Sally Shipley
Staff Liaison: Becca Sutphen, Kelsie Dulaney
AveNew Steering Team:
Tammy Albright, Michelle Bacon, Paula Bulcao, Miles Burdine, Marvin Cameron,
Jeff Cassidy, Ray Conkin, Terry Cunningham, Eric Deaton, Jeff Fleming, Danelle Glasscock,
Kristie Hammonds, Gary Mayes, Chris McCartt, Nicole Miller, Paul Montgomery,
Jeff Moorhouse, Rob Pack, Dale Phipps, Lottie Ryans, Pat Shull, Barry Staubus, Richard Venable
Staff Liaison: Kelsie Dulaney
If you need immediate assistance for yourself or a loved one,
call or text the TN Redline: 1-800-889-9789
Have you had an overdose or fear that you might?
Or is someone you care about in that situation?
423-408-8134
Are you thinking about suicide or worried about a love one who might be?
9-8-8
Are you looking for assistance in finding recovery options?
These guides can help you find:
- Substance use/misuse treatment resources and recovery meetings
- Assistance with locating food pantries
- Help paying a utility bill
- Someone to talk to about a child or adult that is in danger or being harmed or harming themselves