Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition (PWC) has a long-standing history of success in reducing risky behaviors among youth and promoting community change. As an alliance of organizations and people from all sectors of our community, PWC has been able to achieve substantial change in the wellness of Monroe County, TN youth and citizens.
Working for the past decade, we have been effective in policy change, prevention programming, increased opportunities for positive health impact, and the overall reduction of risky behaviors. These efforts have resulted in the dramatic reduction of youth substance use, decreased juvenile crime, increased high school graduation rates, and overall decreased crime rates. Although the priority of the PWC remains primary prevention, our work has had a positive impact throughout the community in many other ways.
The Monroe County Health Council, a 501 (c)(3) organization, is the host agency of the PWC and fiscally governs the coalition.
The PWC meets monthly, with a virtual option available. Meetings are typically on the third Wednesday of the month and are usually at the Monroe County Justice Center in the Training Room from 9:30am-10:30am. Visit monroepwc.org/events for additional meeting info.
The PWC receives funding from the following sources:
Heather Rhymes, Executive Director, Monroe County Health Council (Host Agency for the PWC)
With a passion for serving those in need, Heather prioritizes the improvement and overall well-being of our community and those residing in it. Having devoted years of her life to working with disadvantaged teens across Monroe County, and with a background in Developmental Psychology, she fully understands the needs of our rural area and is eager to reach out and assist in meeting those needs. As a wife and mother, she spends her spare time fostering those most important relationships and cares deeply about the future of Monroe County.
Gabbie McConkey, CPS I Project Director, Stigma Smasher
Gabbie has lived in Monroe County since 1998 and is enjoying raising her family here. Gabbie has been involved with the coalition since 2014, starting as a volunteer and later becoming an employee. One of her passions is working with the youth of Monroe County and helping to empower them to make healthy, smart, and safe choices as they grow. SADD club and Monroe in Motion are two of her favorite projects! She helped create the “Revealed: A Hidden World” trailer, a mobile substance abuse prevention program for parents and caregivers. She created the “Pet Meds Matter Too”, a campaign near and dear to her, as are all of our community and drug take-back events.
Tammie George, Project Coordinator, Stigma Smasher
Tammie has served with the coalition since 2016, dedicating herself to improving the Monroe County community through programs focused on substance misuse and crime prevention, as well as promoting wellness through education and advocacy. Her compassionate heart extends to ministering to those facing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. Actively seeking opportunities to help individuals overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups, Tammie is committed to supporting positive life transformations. She has proudly called Tellico Plains home since 2010, and in the spring of 2020, she and her husband welcomed their first child—adding even more joy and purpose to their lives.
Mikaela McConkey, Outreach Liaison, Stigma Smasher
Mikaela McConkey is a dynamic individual with a passion for communication and engagement, particularly within the youth demographic. Specializing in crafting digital solutions that resonate with users, Mikaela brings a fresh perspective and a dedication to bridging the gap between technology and human interaction. With a focus on empowering young individuals, she is committed to making a positive impact in her community. Mikaela's ambition to support projects that prioritize inclusivity and social impact is evident in her role, where her innovative spirit and dedication shine bright.
PWC Executive Committee
Gabbie McConkey, Project Director of PWC
Chairperson Angel Conklin, CASA Monroe
Vice Chairperson Shannon Wheeler, Juvenile Justice
Treasurer Denny Graham, Chief of Police Vonore Police Department
Secretary - Tulli Cole, Reporter for The Monroe County BUZZ
