Drug-Free Tennessee Working to Make the Community Safer

In the last month, there have been nearly five hundred crimes reported by the Nashville police department just in the Edgehill neighborhood alone. In response, Drug-Free Tennessee is ramping up its efforts to promote healthy living and a drug-free way of life. The group took part in National Night Out Against Crime, working with community members and police to put an end to rampant crime and drug violations.

Night Out Against Crime is meant to stop crime before it starts. It was designed to heighten awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to natw.org.

This year marks the 32nd annual event held to combat drug use and prevent crime.  This is the 7^th year that Drug-Free Tennessee has participated in the Nashville festivities. Neighborhoods frequently celebrate with a mix of food, dancing, information booths and crime forums to help promote safer living. And this year was no different.

Gathering in the community room at Gernert Studio apartments, several policemen, firemen, pastors and government men met with Edgehill residents to talk positive strategies that will bring about change for the neighborhood. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for the Drug-Free Tennessee, was among those on the panel and shared information about the Truth About Drugs materials and how community members can benefit from using these materials.

Fesler showed the Truth About Drugs booklets, educator curriculum and more, and shared that these materials are available free of charge. “These materials are meant to be spread around and used by anyone and everyone. Law enforcement can arrest after it happens–we need to work together to prevent it,” he said.

For more information on National Night Out, visit natw.org.