In the heart of East Tennessee, the Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition has been involved in prevention work for nearly two decades since 2006. Originally founded as the Monroe County Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the coalition has grown and evolved over the years, but its mission has always stayed the same: mobilize communities, parents, and organizations to prevent youth substance use and reduce overall misuse and dependency in Monroe County.
Led by Director Gabrielle McConkey, or Gabbie to most, the coalition is a former 10-year Drug-Free Communities grant recipient, graduate of CADCA’s National Coalition Academy in 2016, and graduate of CADCA’s Graduate Coalition Academy in 2020.
One of the challenges the community faces is the proliferation of THC products. McConkey explains, “Although marijuana is not legal in Tennesse, hemp-derived THC products are—and they are widely available.” Data from the TN Together Youth Survey for Monroe County shows youth use of all substances declining with the exception of THC. Another challenge in the area is that the perception of harm among youth is decreasing pertaining to these products. Despite this reality, McConkey and her team remain hopeful that change is possible.
One of the coalition’s most effective tools is a traveling exhibit called Revealed: A Hidden World. It’s designed to help parents and caregivers recognize the subtle warning signs of substance use and start open, honest conversations with their kids. McConkey added, “Research shows that youth whose parents talk to them about substance misuse are significantly less likely to engage in it.”
Additionally, they host one of the community’s most anticipated annual events, the Smash the Stigma Community Water Balloon Fight. Now entering its fourth year and held in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, the event brings together youth and first responders for a day of fun and connection. It provides a space to hold open conversations around mental health, substance misuse, treatment, and recovery.
The coalition works alongside local law enforcement and first responders on initiatives like drug take-back days, compliance checks, and community outreach activities. They have strong partnerships with the local school systems that actively support their programs and youth coalitions. The coalition also partners with hospitals, medical offices, and recovery groups to address the full continuum of care.
If you ask McConkey what she’s proudest of, she won’t hesitate: the youth coalitions. One example is the Seqouyah High School Youth Coalition, which launched its Mental Health Field Day last year after students identified a need to address stigma and support wellness on campus. Heading into its second year, the event brought together 15 community partners and the entire student body for a day of sessions focused on stress management and self-care. It also touched on coping skills such as journaling, dance therapy, anger management, and kindness exercises.
What’s next for this coalition? Looking to the future, the Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition plans to expand its youth programming and prevention curriculum while continuing to host its hallmark events. As always, there’s always room for more people to get involved. Coalition meetings are open to the public and held on the third Wednesday of every month at 9:30 AM at their office in Madisonville. Local residents interested in supporting the mission are encouraged to learn more at www.monroepwc.org.
