Fall Seminar: Impact on the Innocent October 4th

As our region is experiencing an epidemic of opioid abuse, children are being born and raised drug exposed. This has a myriad of negative effects on the growth and development of the children which can reach every aspect of their lives. Join us for a discussion on the lasting impact of the opioid crisis on our youth and how our county is addressing this need.

Our panelists include:

Dianna Harrison, Clinical leader of pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Niswonger Children’s Hospital

Jeff Cassidy, Sullivan County Sheriff

Christina Keen, Department of Children’s Services Sullivan County Lead Investigator Drug Team

Bianca Pearson, Federal Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against Children

Barry Staubus, District Attorney General 2nd Judicial District

Tim Perry, Division Director, Tennessee Children and Youth Frontier Health

All proceeds go to providing bedroom furniture for the Isaiah 117 House of Sullivan County which is set to open in 2020

When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their welfare, they are usually brought to the Department of Children’s Services Offices to await placement with a foster family. This wait can be several hours to nearly a full day. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and often in dirty clothing.

Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while DCS staff are able to do the necessary paperwork and identify a good foster placement.

This panel is brought to you by the Children’s Advocacy Council and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department Violence Prevention Program.