News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
WCTE will host a film screening Tuesday that draws attention to the overdose crisis that challenges deeply entrenched beliefs about addiction and people who use drugs.
Education and Engagement Coordinator Sarah Savage said the screening of “Love in the Time of Fentanyl” is part of the ongoing Indie Lens series. She said in selecting the films, the hope is to try and localize the issue that is discussed in the documentary.
“Our biggest goal is to try to save lives and try to help people who are struggling and getting this information out is a great way to give people the knowledge they need to actually help someone who might be experiencing an overdose,” “And it’s also great information to get out there to try and help that stigma some might have about people who use.”
Savage said the screening will also feature a talkback after the film with local Regional Overdose Specialists. She said they will present regional statistics and discuss just how prevalent this issue is in the Upper Cumberland alone. Savage said they hope that hearing from local experts can also help audience members see that this is an issue that hits close to home.
“They have all the information about what is going on right here in our community,” Savage said. “They have our local statistics and so it definitely helps to hear their information on it (…) We were able to hear them speak a few weeks ago about the causes and the impact of the epidemic going on. The impact on the person’s brain, learning harm reduction tools.”
The first screening will be at the Cumberland County Playhouse at noon. Savage said a second screening will be at Tennessee Tech on February 2nd. No tickets are required, but registering attendance is welcome.
