Do you have questions about youth substance misuse in our community?

Join us for a virtual town hall featuring a panel of experts who will answer your questions!

When: March 23, 2023
Where: Zoom
What Time: 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Meet the Panelists

  • Karen Pershing, Executive Director of Metro Drug Coalition
  • Josh Shaffer, Police Officer with the Knoxville Police Department
  • Dr. Stephanie Shults, Pediatrician at Shults Pediatric
  • Dr. Emily Woodrum, Clinical Psychologist at Cherokee Health
  • Caro Douglas, Graduate Student at the University of Tennessee
  • Moderator: Kim Hansard, Radio Personality with Star 102.1

Town Hall Topics and Data

Town Hall Topics

  • Vaping/Tobacco
  • Underage Drinking
  • Prescription Drug Misuse
  • Overdoses

Other topics related to youth substance misuse may be addressed based on community questions.

Recent Data on Youth Substance Misuse in Knox County

  • 18% of students used an electronic vapor product during the last 30 days.
  • More than one out of six students drank alcohol during the past 30 days.
  • One out of six students used some form of illicit drug (excluding alcohol or tobacco) during the past 30 days.
  • 9% have used a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription one or more times during their lifetimes.
  • One out of four students were offered, sold, or given illegal drugs on school property during the past 12 months.
  • The 2021 Drug-Related Death Report revealed a 46% increase in drug-related deaths among 15-24 year olds.