Join the Fight to Smash the Stigma!

Get ready to make a massive splash for a meaningful cause! The Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition invites you to the 5th Annual 'Smash the Stigma' Community Water Balloon Fight on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Memorial Park.

This event is strictly BYOB (Bring Your Own Balloons and water guns), as there will not be a designated filling station on-site!

Held in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, this signature event brings together community members, first responders, local organizations, and families from across Monroe County for an unforgettable day of fun, connection, and community spirit. Before our epic, parade-style water battle down Tellico Street begins, explore our Prevention & Wellness Resources hub in the park to connect with vital health tools, overdose prevention training, and recovery support.

Partner With Us as a 2026 Event Sponsor

An event of this size is only possible through the incredible generosity of our local business community. Partnering with PWC as an event sponsor is a powerful way to showcase your organization's commitment to community wellness, youth resilience, and primary prevention.

From prominent logo placement on our official event t-shirts to high-visibility signage strapped directly to our parade vehicles, we offer a variety of sponsorship tiers designed to fit every budget.

Ready to make an impact? Review our 2026 Sponsorship Levels on this page to find the perfect tier for your business. Because all proceeds route through our fiscal agent, your sponsorship or donation is 100% tax-deductible.

• Sponsorship Deadline: Commitments must be received by July 10th to guarantee your logo or name is included on event t-shirts and printed materials!

• Get Started: To secure your spot or ask a question, email monroepwc@gmail.com or call 423-545-3015.

Why 'Smash the Stigma'?

In Monroe County, fatal overdoses rose from 14 in 2020, to 28 in 2021, and peaked at 34 in 2022. Thanks to community awareness events like 'Smash the Stigma', widespread overdose prevention training with naloxone distribution, and primary prevention, our local numbers dropped to 32 in 2023 and down to 23 in 2024. This mirrors a statewide drop from 3,613 deaths in 2023 to 2,499 in 2024. However, East Tennessee still carries the heaviest burden with the highest number of reported overdose deaths in the state, proving why our continued prevention work is so critical.

These numbers represent reported fatal overdoses; however, the true toll is likely higher. Due to stigma, some overdose deaths are recorded under other causes, such as cardiac arrest, at the request of families who do not want that label on their loved one’s record. In addition, some Monroe County residents receive care or pass away outside the county, which means their deaths may not be reflected in our local count.

Stigma, identified as a significant obstacle preventing individuals from seeking help for mental health and substance use disorders, perpetuates a harmful cycle of silence and suffering. The 'Smash the Stigma' event seeks to shatter this cycle by fostering a sense of community, understanding, and support. By coming together, we aim to create an environment that encourages open conversations about substance misuse, reduces judgment, and ultimately helps those in need.

What Can You Expect? 

On Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at 4:00 PM, Tellico Street will transform into the battleground for the Fifth Annual “Smash the Stigma” Community Water Balloon Fight. From 4:00–6:00 PM, Memorial Park will host the Resource Fair, offering community members a chance to connect with local organizations and services. At 6:00 PM, the highly anticipated Water Balloon Fight kicks off along the event route on Tellico Street from the First United Methodist Church down to Memorial Park. Participants are required to bring their own filled water balloons and water guns, as there will not be a designated area for filling balloons on-site.

First responders will be driving along the route, engaging in friendly water balloon exchanges and adding an unexpected twist to the event. It's not just about getting wet; it's about making a splash against the stigma associated with substance misuse.

As part of this year’s Smash the Stigma event, we invite you to help us personalize the message by sharing a photo of someone whose life has been impacted by overdose.

You may submit a photo:

• In Honor – for someone who has survived an overdose or is living in recovery

• In Remembrance – for someone we’ve lost to overdose

Photos will be displayed during the event to help raise awareness, break the silence, and remind our community that every story—and every life—matters.

👉 Submit a Photo Here

 How Can You Get Involved?

Join us in making a difference—where fun meets purpose. Be a part of the Fifth Annual 'Smash the Stigma' Community Water Balloon Fight and help us create a community that supports and understands those affected by substance misuse. Together, let's make waves against stigma!