Drug Free Manatee held its first community listening session at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church last Thursday evening. Thad Jensen, Outreach Coordinator for Drug Free Manatee, moderated this open forum for members of Manatee County. These listening sessions are being held so the public has an opportunity to voice their concerns in an open forum, and to obtain resources and information pertaining to their needs.

Panelists, Tammy Collins-Kerr, Family and Friends Support Network; Tim Santamour, Florida Harm Reduction Collective; Luke Barnett, Suncoast Behavioral Health Center; Ken Brown, Florida Department of Children & Families Ann Swanson, Operation PAR and Andres Gonzalez, Centerstone, addressed concerns from members of Manatee County. Drug Free Manatee has two additional sessions: Wednesday, May 4th at the Palmetto Youth Center and Thursday, May 19th at the Oneco United Methodist Church - both begin at 6 pm.

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