Open Discussion Planned about Opioid Abuse Impact on Sevier County

Leadership Sevier and the City of Sevierville are hosting an open discussion with a panel of experts about opioid abuse in Sevier County and invite the public to attend.

Sevier County residents will soon roll up their sleeves and start to work on a national crisis that has taken hold of local families and is impacting local businesses. Opioid abuse is an epidemic in the United States. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, as well as legal prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 10, 2018 at the Sevierville Civic Center, located at 200 Gary R. Wade Boulevard in Sevierville, a panel discussion with area experts will focus on many facets of the program including law enforcement, prosecution and adjudication in the court system; incarceration and/or rehabilitation; the emotional and financial impact on families; the short and long-term effects of NAS babies born in Sevier County; and the overall impact to businesses and quality of life in the Sevier County community.

Speakers at the opioid forum include:

Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals
Chief Randy Brackins, City of Gatlinburg
Chief Richie Catlett, City of Pigeon Forge
Jimmy Dunn, Attorney General, 4th Judicial District
Circuit Court Judges: Judge Rex Henry Ogle, Judge Duane Slone, Judge Jim Gass, Judge Carter Moore
Shellie Hall and Ms. Cara Parker from Helen Ross McNabb Center
Jennifer Maddron, OB-GYN
Raven Mason, Community Rep
Monty Burks, Director of TN Faith Based Initiative
Nicole Ogle, Sevier County C.A.R.E.S.

Leadership Sevier and the City of Sevierville are sponsoring the opioid panel discussion. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Space is limited.