ICARE Union County

10/15/2026

❤️ Introducing Our ICARE Community Partners!

Strong communities are built through strong partnerships! 🤝

This week, we’re proud to recognize our ICARE Coalition Members! These dedicated individuals and organizations come together with a shared commitment to building a healthier, safer, and substance-free Union County.

Our coalition members bring valuable knowledge, resources, and community connections that help strengthen prevention efforts and support local families and youth. Their time, collaboration, and dedication play an important role in making a difference right here in our community.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue highlighting the community partners who help make ICARE’s work possible. Join us each week as we celebrate the people and organizations working together to create a stronger Union County! ❤️

Together, we can make a difference!

10/15/2026

📌 Need to Know: Safe Needle Disposal

We get asked quite often, “How do I safely dispose of used needles?” We’re thankful to Shiloh Recovery for sharing helpful information to help us spread awareness and keep our community safe! 💙

Proper needle disposal is important to protect our families, sanitation workers, first responders, and everyone in our community from accidental needle sticks.

If you come across a used needle or need to dispose of one, it’s important to know the proper steps to take. Never place loose needles in household trash, recycling bins, or public areas.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe, informed, and healthy!

Thank you, Shiloh Recovery, for helping us share this important information! 🤝

💜 Safe Sharps Disposal Saves Lives! 💜

Proper disposal of used needles, syringes, and other sharps helps protect our families, sanitation workers, and community from accidental injuries.

🚫 Never place loose needles in the trash or recycling!

Shiloh Recovery Services is committed to harm reduction, education, and keeping our community safe.

📌 Check out our Safe Sharps Disposal Guide to learn how to properly store and dispose of used sharps.

💜 Small actions make a big difference in community safety!

10/15/2026

The mobile shower trailer will be here today!! 10:30am to 2:30pm. Please spread the word.
— at Heritage Park.

10/14/2026

💊♻️ **Safe Medication Disposal – Every Day Matters!** ♻️💊

You don’t have to wait for a special event to safely dispose of medications—but **October is a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet!**

📅 **National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24!**

🚗 **DRIVE-THRU DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT**
📍 **Union County Sheriff’s Office**
🕙 **10:00 AM–2:00 PM**

Bring your **expired, unused, or no longer needed medications** and safely dispose of them without even having to leave your vehicle!

🏠 **You can also dispose of medications year-round:**

🟢 **Medication Drop Boxes**
Safely dispose of unwanted medications at a local medication drop box to help prevent misuse, accidental exposure, and medications getting into the wrong hands.

🟢 **Deterra Medication Deactivation Bags**
Deterra bags provide a convenient way to deactivate unwanted medications at home. Follow the instructions provided with the bag for safe disposal.

💙 **Why safe medication disposal matters:**
✔️ Prevents medication misuse
✔️ Reduces accidental poisoning
✔️ Keeps medications away from children and teens
✔️ Helps protect families and our community
✔️ Keeps medications out of the water supply

📅 **Saturday, October 24**
🚗 **Drive-Thru Drug Take Back**
📍 **Union County Sheriff’s Office**
🕙 **10:00 AM–2:00 PM**

Take a few minutes to clean out your medicine cabinet and make a plan for safe disposal. **Every day is a good day to protect your home and your community.**

10/14/2026

🚨 Kratom is now illegal in Tennessee.
As of July 1, 2026, the possession and sale of kratom are illegal in the state of Tennessee under Public Chapter No. 950.
It is important for our community to be aware of this change and understand that suddenly stopping kratom use may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you love needs support with detox or withdrawal, resources are available.
📞 Volunteer Behavioral Health: (877) 567-6051
📞 Buffalo Valley: (931) 796-5426
📞 Crisis Stabilization Unit: (423) 762-6295
📞 CenterPointe: (865) 603-4958
Knowledge and awareness can help keep our community safe. Please share this information with others who may benefit.

10/13/2026

🎃 **HALLOWEEN SAFETY STARTS AT HOME**

Halloween can be a fun time for families, but parties and gatherings can also create opportunities for young people to access alcohol.

Before your family hosts a gathering this month, take a few minutes to make a plan.

🏠 **Secure alcohol and keep it out of reach.**
👀 **Keep track of alcohol during gatherings.**
🚫 **Do not provide alcohol to anyone under 21.**
💬 **Talk with your child about your expectations.**
📱 **Know where your child is going and who will be supervising.**

Don't forget to check other areas of your home where alcohol may be stored—including refrigerators, garages, coolers, and cabinets.

A few minutes of preparation can help prevent a risky situation.

🎃 **Make Halloween about the costumes, candy, memories, and fun—not underage drinking.**

10/13/2026

🍬🎃 HELP US FILL THE TRUNKS! 🎃🍬

Trunk-or-Treat events are a great way for families and kids to enjoy Halloween together in a safe, fun, and substance-free environment—and we need your help to make them extra sweet! 🍭

ICARE Union County is collecting candy donations to help support local Trunk-or-Treat events throughout our community.

🍫 Have a bag (or two!) of candy to donate?
🍬 Want to help make Halloween a little sweeter for local kids?
🎃 Every donation makes a difference!

Bring your individually wrapped candy donations to ICARE Union County and help us fill those trunks! 🚗🍬

Let's work together to create positive, family-friendly spaces where our community can celebrate, connect, and make memories.

❤️ A little candy can go a long way in making a child's Halloween special!

📩 For donation drop-off information or questions, please contact ICARE Union County.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

The mobile shower trailer will be back Oct 15, 2026!! 10:30am to 2:30pm. Please spread the word.
— at Heritage Park.

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day

Mental health is part of overall health—and taking care of it is something we can all support.

Today is a good reminder to:

🌱 Check in with yourself
💬 Have an honest conversation
❤️ Listen without judgment
🤝 Reach out when you need support
📱 Know where to turn for help

You don't have to have the perfect words or all the answers. Sometimes simply asking “How are you really doing?” can open the door to a meaningful conversation.

Let’s continue building a community where people feel supported, connected, and comfortable asking for help.

💚 If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988.