An invitation is extended to any and all Blount County citizens to a County-wide Community Recovery Education Forum being held on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at the First Baptist Church Maryville on W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, directly across from the Blount County Courthouse parking lot. From the Tennessee State Department of Substance Abuse, Dr. Monty Burks, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives and Special Projects, along with Dr. Stephen Lloyd, Assistant Commissioner, will be coming to talk about the overwhelming issues in communities across the State, but in particular, Blount County with substance abuse and addiction.
In dealing with our Jail Overcrowding issues, our initial research reveals an overwhelming majority of the inmates incarcerated in our jail are in some way drug or substance abuse related. As a Government, we have to address our jail overcrowding issues, but we have to look outside the normal reaction of building a bigger jail. Society has a problem that we can all hopefully work together to help resolve.
Our Elected Officials, community leaders and church leaders from across the County are coming together for this November 13 event. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. We all share a love for this County and want to see our citizens live fulfilling, safe and productive lives.