Crown passed, yet opioid fight continues
A few weeks ago, I relinquished my crown as Miss Tennessee, passing it to my worthy successor, Christine Williams. But I didn’t give up my personal fight against opioid addiction.
As Miss Tennessee, I was allowed to select a platform for any issue or cause that I cared about, and there was never any doubt what mine would be. As someone who has been deeply affected by the cycle of addiction that ran in my family, I made a commitment to myself that the cycle would end with me. I vowed I would use the great opportunity afforded to me to take my message of hope to as many people as possible.
I had no idea what to expect, and have no way of knowing how many young people truly connected with my message, or how many individuals I helped keep from going down the selfdestructive and family-destroying road of addiction. What I do know is that, if I helped save only one person, all of my efforts will have been worth it.
My year as Miss Tennessee was filled with many highlights. I met with legislators, had honest conversations with students and traveled extensively. I became a goodwill ambassador for Count It! Lock It! Drop It! (CLD), a program supported through a grant from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation that raises awareness of specific steps people can take to fight the spread of opioid abuse.
A few of my favorite moments included taking my advocacy campaign to Capitol Hill, where I spoke with many state leaders and legislators; attending the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events, and simply sharing my story with students.
Throughout the year, I remember traveling to schools and seeing multiple students gazing off during my talks, and I would sometimes wonder if I was really making a difference. But then I would lock eyes with others who I knew related to my story. It was times like those I realized that, though the opioid crisis is far bigger than one young woman can conquer, it takes being faithful in the small steps to make a difference.
Holding the title of Miss Tennessee was an honor and privilege. While I will not wear my crown again, I am grateful for the many experiences it brought. For me, the battle is personal; I lost my father and half-brother to addiction, making this fight one I vow to never give up.
I am aware that not everyone has the chance to voice their platform on such a big stage, but I believe that we all have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
Together we can take huge steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic, one person at a time.
Caty Davis is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology.