News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cumberland County Rising Anti-Drug Coalition is looking to expand its virtual programming for local students.
Programming Director Holly Kisly said the Cumberland County School system will allow virtual drug education during the Spring. Kisly said now the work begins to see how to effectively use a $1,500 grant to reach kids.
“This money that the Volunteer Energy Cooperative Customer Shares Program allows us to hire videographers,” Kisly said. “Allows us to do maybe a show that would travel around the county.”
Kisly said anti-drug messages have been out of schools since the pandemic began. Kisly said there are a number of possibilities they’re considering.
“I’m working with the school district right now and putting together virtual programs,” Kisly said. A virtual talent show, an opportunity to design and have a contest for drug awareness decals and other programming.”
Kisly said drug awareness should be heightened during the pandemic. She said both students and parents are experiencing more anxiety and depression, leading to people wanting to numb themselves.
“They’re not able to get together and socialize,” Kisly said. “They’re feeling isolated, voices aren’t heard, they’re not contributing to their community.”
Kisly said she hopes digital programming will be effective. However, she said Cumberland County Rising would benefit from getting student and young adult input on what kind of messaging worked for them.
