Tennessee American Water President Valoria Armstrong presents a check to the Hamilton County Coalition through the utility’s environmental grant program. The money is used for Drug Take Back programs and drug prevention education
Tennessee American Water awarded a $2500 environmental grant to the Hamilton County Coalition (HCC) for their Drug Take Back program.
Valoria Armstrong, President of Tennessee American Water, presented the check at an event with the HCC’s summer youth program, YES – the Youth Empowerment Society. The Hamilton County Coalition trains teens 15-18 years old in drug and alcohol prevention and prescription disposal.
“Drug Take Back is a good way to educate consumers on the proper way of disposing of medications.” said Ms. Armstrong. “Not only does this keep drugs out of waterways, but it also keeps drugs from being used misused which can lead to accidental overdose.”
On June 30, Tennessee American Water hosted YES at the water plant. The student leaders toured the water plant, learning about the water treatment and delivery process as well as careers in the water industry.
“We appreciate Tennessee American Water having the environmental grant program. This funding helps us educate the public on the importance of proper disposal of medication,” said Camilla Bibbs, Executive Director of the HCC. “This reduces the chance of teenage experimentation.”
Tennessee American Water supports local organizations which address a watershed or source water protection need. The company has awarded over $40,000 since 2012 through its environmental grant program. The environmental initiatives focus on innovative, community-based and sustainable projects.
Students Jared Bryson and Mike Greer with the Youth Empowerment Society of the Hamilton County Coalition use a colorimeter to measure the chlorine level during their visit at Tennessee American Water
ABOUT TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATER
Tennessee American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 390,000 people in Tennessee and northern Georgia. American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.tennesseeamwater.com.
Connect with us: Facebook.com/tnamwater ● Twitter @tnamwater
ABOUT HAMILTON COUNTY COALITION
The Hamilton County Coalition is a community based organization that utilizes evidence-based strategies to prevent the onset/reduce youth and young adult access to alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription and other illicit substance use and abuse. The Hamilton County Coalition provides education through various programs and outreach on proper medication disposal to reduce illicit medication use among youth and protect the environment.
