The Overdose Prevention program works to build local capacity to improve public health response to the substance misuse epidemic in Hamilton County. Our office monitors data to identify populations at high risk for adverse consequences from substance misuse and employs evidence-based interventions that are responsive to population needs.

Program Contacts:

Katrina Hereford, MPA

Overdose Prevention Program Manager

KatrinaH@HamiltonTn.gov

423-209-8317


   Jenna Thorstenson, BSPH, PHTM, CPRS

   Social Counselor - Overdose Prevention

   JennaT@HamiltonTn.gov

   423-209-8093


 

 

 


 

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Recognizing an overdose can save someone’s life. Here are the signs you should look for, according to the CDC:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils
  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness
  • Slow, weak, or not breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Limp body
  • Cold and/or clammy skin
  • Discolored skin (especially on lips and nails)

 

What to do if you think someone is overdosing

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose—you could save a life.

1.       Call 911 Immediately.

2.       Administer naloxone, if available.

3.       Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

4.       Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

5.       Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

All suspect cases should be reported immediately.

The Tennessee REDLINE is the 24/7/365 resource for substance misuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals. Additional resources can be found in the Hamilton County drug overdose resource guide.

Hamilton County Drug Overdose Surveillance Reports


·         4th Quarter 2021 - https://bit.ly/3KnrGMA

·   3rd Quarter 2021 - https://bit.ly/3YYaamP

·         1st and 2nd Quarter 2021 - https://bit.ly/3Kcsg0f

Tennessee Department of Health Data

·        Tennessee Drug Overdose Dashboard - https://bit.ly/2Es7YhP

·             Tennessee State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) - https://bit.ly/41AIUvQ

The Tennessee REDLINE is the 24/7/365 resource for substance misuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals. Additional resources can be found in the Hamilton County drug overdose resource guide.

What are Opioids?

https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/index.html


https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids


What is Fentanyl?


https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html

 

Fentanyl (dea.gov)

 

Narcan training and Opioid Reversal Kit

https://www.hccoalition.org/

Recovery and Treatment options

https://findhelpnow.org/tn

https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/prevention/tennessee-redline.html

Resources for Parents and Educators:

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators

https://drugfree.org/

Addiction and the Brain

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

Emerging Drug Trends

https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/news-statistics/emerging-drug-trends

 

 

Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prevention/index.html

Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant Substance Abuse Program Resource Center - https://www.cossapresources.org/

QuizTime: Preparing Educators to Help Save Lives: What You Should Know about Opioid Use and Adolescents - https://catalog.quiztimehealth.com/course/1194%7CQT-23-PEHSL-P1