Episode 17: Whatever It Takes

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities. This episode, we sit down with Jeff Shaw, Executive Director of Hope of East Tennessee. Hope of East Tennessee is one of the oldest treatment centers in the state, and Jeff takes us through what is his why, what they do at Hope, and why it’s so important to treat the whole person.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988. To contact Hope of East Tennessee, call them at 865-482-4826. 

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities. In this episode, we introduce our newest prevention coordinator, Wendy Maness. If you would like to get involved with ASAP and help make Anderson County drug-free or request information, go to ASAPofAnderson.org.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode we talk with Kristi Beeler, our regional overdose prevention specialist about what prevention looks like beyond primary prevention. If you would like to get involved with ASAP and help make Anderson County drug-free or to schedule a TN Save a Life training, go to ASAPofAnderson.org.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.This episode was recorded on September 19, 2025.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities. In this episode, we talk with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network East Region Director, Taylor Murmann. Taylor takes us through what suicide prevention month is, how to have those hard conversations, and ways that we can show up for ourselves and others.To learn more about how to get involved with TSPN or about upcoming suicide prevention initiatives and events, go to TSPN.org.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode we’re talking about International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day is a worldwide day honoring and remembering the lives impacted by overdose and making an effort to join together as a community to prevent future overdoses. We hope you will join us on August 28th, 2025 at 6 p.m. to honor the 71 lives lost to overdose in Anderson County.Go to ASAPofAnderson.org to register for this year's event and to submit a photo of your loved one for the memorial banner.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Trigger Warning: Mention of suicide attempts, discussion of drug use.Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode we sit down with our own Kristi Beeler and her son Justin. They take us through the years of Justin's personal struggle with addiction, how he got to recovery, and a raw look into struggles with mental health and addiction. And a powerful story of salvation and recovery.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode, we sit down with Laura Taliaferro, Student Services Coordinator at ASAP! We discuss our new free program for students called Coping Conversations, which hopes to teach students positive coping skills to help them find healthier alternatives to deal with stress, as opposed to turning to substances. We are extremely excited about this program and the positive effect it will have on our students!Do sign your student up for Coping Conversations or to learn more, email Laura at [email protected] you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode we sit down with Shayla’s dad, Jamie Smith! They take us through shared whys, experiences with substance use and misuse, and doing whatever it takes to be the best version of yourself for you and your loved ones.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Welcome back to another episode of Bridging Communities, this episode we sit down with Nathan Wray, prevention specialist and public speaker who got his start in Tennessee and is now bringing prevention to students all over the country! He talks about his own journey, how prevention has changed over the years, and how little things in a kid’s life can make a big impact. Go to NathanWraySpeaks.com to find more about Nathan and go to ASAPofAnderson.org to learn more about the parent resources, how to talk to your kids, or call us at 865-457-3007 to request resources.If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of substance use referral, call or text the TN Redline at 1-800-889-8789 and for mental health resources or crisis, call or text 988.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Bridging Communities! This episode, host Shayla Wilson and Prevention Coordinator, Savannah Meade, talk about ASAP's impaired driving prevention and programs under the THSO Funding. Then Shayla sits down with Marissa Maurer from UT's #GetConvinced to learn more about their safe driving programs, some stats on impaired driving, and some tips for young drivers as they get out of school for the summer!Go to ASAPofAnderson.org to learn more about the Underage Drinking Taskforce, get more information on how to have meaningful conversations with your kids, and to request resources.