On Wednesday, a group of Chattanooga leaders will spotlight a devastating but rarely discussed impact of Tennessee’s opioid crisis: the challenges facing young children of parents grappling with addiction.
Their solution: expand high-quality early childhood programs that help kids overcome the academic, social and emotional setbacks caused by chaotic home environments.
That’s the central message in a Council for a Strong America report to be released by the group, “Caring for Young Victims of the Opioid Crisis.” Speakers will include:
Chattanooga Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater
Dr. Jared Bigham, executive director, Chattanooga 2.0
Richard Tate, program director, Tennessee Valley, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee
Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy
Major General A. Leslie Purser, U.S. Army (Ret).
Tim Kelly, CEO/Dealer Principal, Kelly Auto Group
Roger Helle, executive director, Teen Challenge of the Mid-South
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke
Rep. Chuck Fleischman
The panelists will describe how voluntary home visiting to prepare young moms and dads to become better parents can reduce child abuse and neglect, and why leaders in Chattanooga and in Washington must protect programs such as Head Start and Tennessee’s Voluntary Pre-K program to ensure children have safe places where they can develop the academic and social-emotional skills they need to break the addiction cycle.
The event will be held at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, 811 Broad Street, Suite 100, from 11 a.m. - Noon.