Healing Starts Here: A Community Response to ACEs

Tue Apr 28 2026 at 08:00 am to 03:00 pm UTC-04:00

Knoxville Expo Center | Knoxville

Metro Drug Coalition
Publisher/HostMetro Drug Coalition
Healing Starts Here: A Community Response to ACEs
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Training for using Positive Childhood Experiences to reduce ACE impacts and strengthen child, family, and long-term community wellbeing.
About this Event

Join the Community Health Council and Metro Drug Coalition for a one-day conference focused on strengthening trauma-informed practice, workforce resilience, and community collaboration to support children and families.

The conference runs from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM and will feature a keynote address from Pennie Cox of Metro Drug Coalition, a veteran and leader in trauma-responsive systems work. Pennie will speak on care coordination, compassion fatigue, and sustaining those who serve in trauma-impacted environments.
Participants will engage in two rounds of breakout sessions across three learning tracks:


• Emergency Responders & Frontline Worker Resilience
• Volunteer and Community-Based Support Networks
• Mental Health and Wellbeing


The day will conclude with a cross-sector panel exploring practical strategies communities can use to promote Positive Childhood Experiences and strengthen protective systems for children.
This conference is designed for practitioners, emergency responders, community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and volunteers committed to building stronger, more connected systems of care.

Note: We have limited spots for tabling at the event. If you or your organization would like to be considered, please register as a vendor and a member of our committee will reach out to confirm details. Vendors will be asked to be onsite from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM but may attend breakout sessions.




Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration, networking, vendor tables, continental breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:20 AM
Welcome, introductions, conference framing
🕑: 09:20 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Address: Pennie Cox, Metro Drug Coalition
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Session 1 (three tracks available)
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch and networking
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Breakout Session 2 (three tracks available)
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing and Reflection
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

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