2017 Year in Review: Drug-Free Tennessee

2017 saw the expansion of Drug-Free Tennessee, carrying out the work of the international organization the Foundation for a Drug-Free World in the Southeast United States.

To start off the year, Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) participated in an event with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for its Recovery Congregations to distribute information, and get out the Truth About Drugs booklets to those attending.

Next, volunteers went into local neighborhoods to distribute information as part of local health fairs and resource cafes.

Following these outreach efforts, the Regional Coordinator of Drug-Free Tennessee, Rev. Brian Fesler, organized the Swing Into Health community concert to raise awareness for World Health Day in April.

To observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, volunteers took to the streets to distribute copies of the booklets and also participated in community events to spread the word. This all culminated in a training workshop on how to use the Truth About Drugs Educator’s Kit for law enforcement, teachers and preachers. They were given free informational materials that they can use in working with children to keep them healthy, as well as drug-free.  

Next, DFT volunteers participated at National Night Out Against Crime, getting the booklets out to everyone who attended the Night Out celebration.

Later that same month, Drug-Free Tennessee participated in an annual event for parents of school children, where they distributed copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets to parents, teachers and children alike. Then, volunteers gave a lecture to a local university’s men’s basketball team on why to be drug-free.

Rounding out the year, volunteers crisscrossed the state to see students in high schools and universities, community centers and even a rehab center in Murfreesboro. They delivered lectures and passed out booklets.

Rev. Fesler had this to say about 2017, “We have had a good year, but drugs are still a problem in this state. We have big plans for 2018 and are ready to help anyone in the state who is trying to address this issue.”

Drug-Free Tennessee distributes the Truth About Drugs booklet, which cover all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer. To learn more or to order booklets, visit drugfreesouth.org.