Sevierville to Host Second Opioid Abuse Public Forum

Sevier County residents are moving forward with the next step to combat the national opioid crisis that has taken hold of local families and is impacting local businesses. Opioid abuse is an epidemic in the U.S. 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 June 19, 2018 at the Sevierville Civic Center, a panel discussion with area experts will focus on many facets of the program including Emergency Medicine, Impact on our School System, Business Interests, Court Systems, Recovery/Rehabilitation; the emotional and financial impact on families; the short and long-term effect 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 forum include: Mr. Andrew Whaley, Assistant Director, Sevier County Ambulance Service, Mrs. Leia Loveday, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Charise Johns, PCP Emergency Medicine, Dr. Steve Madison, DMD, Mr. Don Best, Coordinator Of Health Services, Sevier County Schools, Ms. Kameron Ogle, SADD, Mr. Wyatt Smith, SADD, Officer Bill Miller, SRO – Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Allen Newton, Director, Sevier County Economic Development, Mr. Mark Adams, Director, Gatlinburg Chamber Of Commerce, Mr. Leon Downey, Director, Pigeon Forge Department Of Tourism, Ms. Brenda McCroskey, Director, Sevierville Chamber Of Commerce, Judge Jeff Rader, Sevier County General Sessions Court, and Nicole Ogle, Sevier County Cares.

The panel discussion is sponsored by Leadership Sevier and the City of Sevierville and Sevier County CARES. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.