Substance Abuse Prevention Action Team

A Blount County Community Health Initiative volunteer action team

The Substance Abuse Prevention Action Team addresses the challenge of reducing youth tobacco use, underage drinking and prescription medications. Partnerships with law enforcement and the National Guard have increased opportunities for education within the local school systems.

By providing educational opportunities, promoting prevention activities, advocating policy evaluation and enforcement, and strengthening community sector collaboration, the team is a catalyst for communitywide change in perceptions and behaviors associated with substance abuse.

What We Do:

Cash for Cooks:

• Community reporting program in partnership with the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force to turn in meth cooks for an incentive

• Approximately 3,000 pounds collected annually
• In partnership with the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force, host two Drug Take Back events per year and support a permanent medication disposal box at the Blount County Justice Center

• Gives students an anonymous way of reporting crimes or concerns
• Promotes “Crime Reports” anonymous texting, which allows community members to report crimes to law enforcement and receive alerts on possible emergencies in their neighborhoods

• Developed by the coalition in 2012 in partnership with the district attorney general’s office
• Educate law enforcement on the steps of a search warrant for a mandatory blood draw.
• Approved by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission for law enforcement certification
• Trainings are held on a semi-annual basis for new additions to law enforcement agencies
• More than 350 officers have been trained to date

• Began in 2012 as SAPAT’s youth campaign
• Youth who sign a drug-, alcohol- and tobacco-free pledge attend a premier event with guest speakers, and fun incentives.
• Special speakers have included: Miss Tennessee 2017 Caty Davis, Blake McMeans, Inky Johnson and Curt Maggitt
• Approximately 1,500 youth attend and are trained on the importance of making healthy, drug-free choices
• Expanded in 2015 to a community-wide initiative

• Prescription drug safety program
• More than 150 home medication lock boxes have been distributed
• In partnership with Blount County Sheriff’s Office Senior Outreach program, Everett Senior Center, Blount Memorial Senior Services and foster families

• Responsible Beverage Service training provided to alcohol retailers
• Support local and state law enforcement agencies on alcohol compliance checks