Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction

09/04/2026

Welcome to The Franklin Press - thank you for visiting! The Franklin Press is published with pride for the people of Macon County and surrounding areas.

08/19/2026

NC Drug Alert

🚨 Community Drug Alert 🚨

A recent drug sample submitted by a participant was found to contain medetomidine and xylazine, substances that can increase the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. This serves as an important reminder that the drug supply may contain unexpected and potentially dangerous substances.

🔬 We offer FREE test strips for:
• Fentanyl
• Xylazine
• Medetomidine

📦 We also provide access to a FREE and anonymous mail-in drug checking service through the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. This service can help identify substances and contaminants that may be present in a drug sample, allowing people to make more informed decisions.

🩹 Free naloxone (Narcan) is available to help reverse opioid overdoses. Even when xylazine or medetomidine may be present, naloxone should still be administered if an opioid overdose is suspected, followed by calling emergency services and providing rescue breathing if needed.

To reduce risk:
✔ Test your supply whenever possible
✔ Avoid using alone
✔ Start with a small amount
✔ Carry naloxone and make sure those around you know how to use it

Need immediate support or ready to explore treatment?
Call 336-818-1909. Our peer support team is available 24/7 to help you access care, explore treatment options, and connect with recovery and community resources.
Whether you're ready for treatment today or simply want someone to talk with about your options, we're here to meet you where you are. 💜

Reach out to us for free test strips, naloxone, or information about our anonymous drug checking service.

Stay informed. Stay safer. 💜

07/26/2026

07/26/2026

An Evening of Music! Tonight, Sunday, July 26 at 6:30 pm

Please join us at All Saints Methodist Church for "An Evening of Music" with three wonderful local artists: Diana New, Jamie Rasso, & Brian Van Fleet performing inside the chapel.

Afterward, join us for a reception with light refreshments by Slanted Window outside the church at the Arbor, inside if it rains.

All proceeds support the work of Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction. Tickets are $15 and available at the door.

If you cannot attend and want to make a one-time or a monthly donation via Zeffy, use the QR code below. Questions? email [email protected].

07/25/2026

07/17/2026

Free CME from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Opioid Response Network (ORN)!

While the overall trend for youth substance use has been declining in recent years¹, a staggering 37% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once by 12th grade². Given that early drug abuse correlates with substance use issues later in life, child psychiatrists and other mental health professionals play a critical role in early identification, prevention, and intervention.

Improve youth substance use outcomes with these two expert-led courses from ORN partner organization AACAP:

⭐️ Course 1 - Clinical Essentials on Integrating Youth Substance Use Treatment Into Your Practice: https://bit.ly/3SFVLxF

⭐️ Course 2 - Clinical Essentials on Increasing Motivation and Decreasing Stigma Among Youth with Substance Use Disorders: https://bit.ly/4wm52tf

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 202.966.7300 ext. 2007.

¹: Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023, CDC: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/252282
²: Teenage Drug Use Statistics [2025]: Data & Trends on Abuse, NCDAS: https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/

07/10/2026

What does Main Street Franklin need for transformation? Share your opinion.