Opioid Awareness is a Big Hit in Chattanooga

On June 21, the Chattanooga Lookouts played the Biloxi Shuckers at AT&T Field. It was Opioid Awareness Night at the stadium, and the Lookouts joined AAOA to help bring public attention to the prescription opioid abuse crisis  and steps that can be taken to help prevent misuse and abuse in the future.

AAOA was proud to sponsor this event in conjunction with the Hamilton County Coalition and the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (CADAS). Both are great local organizations working hard to combat the opioid abuse epidemic in the community.

• The Hamilton County Coalition is a community based anti-drug coalition that works in collaboration with various federal, state and community partners to create safer, drug-free communities by preventing and reducing substance use and abuse among youth and young adults.
• CADAS provides prevention and education services as well as treatment options to the local community. The non-profit organization partners with local middle and high schools to provide evidence-based alcohol ad drug prevention programs. This is complimented by a family program that equips loved ones with tools to help their child.

Loud speaker and jumbotron announcements encouraged the night’s 1,500 fans to safely use, store and dispose of prescription opioids. Volunteers passed out magnets for attendees to take home as a reminder of the importance of safe storage and disposal as well as more detailed information on proper disposal with local drop-off locations.

It was a beautiful evening in a welcoming city and another successful outreach and awareness event. We appreciate all the volunteers who made it possible and look forward to our next opportunity to partner with Chattanoogans to help prevent opioid misuse and abuse.