In participation with National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Metro Drug Coalition is hosting a free awareness event on May 2nd, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Fountain City United Methodist Church. The event will help to dispel misinformation about fentanyl, while equipping the community with resources and knowledge to save the lives of fellow East Tennesseeans. This event is free and open to the public.

National Fentanyl Awareness Day aims to amplify nationwide efforts to increase awareness and decrease demand for fentanyl. Metro Drug Coalition’s local event will include proclamations from the offices of both the city and the county mayors, a screening of “Real Talk About Fake Pills,” a panel on compassion fatigue, and a community resource fair.

Fentanyl education continues to be of prime importance in our community. The 2023 Drug-Related Death Report for Knox County revealed that fentanyl continued to be the most frequently identified drug in overdose deaths.

“This event is vital to the community for correct information and education regarding the current opioid crisis,” said Jessica Stanley, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist at Metro Drug Coalition. “Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid, and it is necessary to understand it in order for us to continue to fight this epidemic.”

For more information about this event and fentanyl, harm reduction, and recovery resources, visit here.

Metro Drug Coalition is a non-profit organization established by a joint resolution of the City of Knoxville and Knox County to unite policy makers and leaders to address community substance misuse issues. It serves the community by educating; advocating for treatment, prevention and recovery services; and providing a forum in which members from all sectors of the community come together to address substance misuse. More information can be found here.