TDMHSAS and TDH Mark Overdose Awareness Day

"It's so painfully true that one death from overdose is one death too many, but we're hopeful that our state is finally seeing declining numbers of deaths. The scourge of illicit fentanyl has taken a huge toll, but with huge investments in comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery supports, Tennessee is able to meet the need of our neighbors who need help and want help for addiction issues," said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.

"We are standing with our state and community partners to end overdoses in Tennessee," State Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, said. "Every individual action matters and together we can show compassion to, and support for, those connected to the tragedy of overdose, honor those we've lost, and encourage healing through treatment and recovery in a powerful collective action."

The 2024 theme for International Overdose Awareness Day is "Together We Can," and that will be on full display in communities across Tennessee. Substance Use Prevention Coalitions, community-based treatment providers, and other groups have organized more than 65 events across the state. Find an event near you at this link on TNtogether.com.

Tennessee's Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists have been working to address drug overdose since 2017. In that time, they have distributed more than 678,000 units of naloxone in communities across Tennessee, and as a result, they have documented more than 82,000 lives saved. The ROPS training on overdose prevention and reversal is free and available to anyone or any group that would like to receive it. Use this link on TN.gov to find contact information for your local ROPS.

For Tennesseans who are ready to enter treatment for addiction, services are available even if you have no means to pay. Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE at 800-889-9789 or visit FindHelpNowTN.org for a free and confidential referral to substance use disorder treatment services.