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


 

 

 


 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

Recovery Navigators play a crucial role in supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders by guiding them through the often complex journey toward recovery. These professionals act as liaisons between clients and the appropriate levels of care, ensuring that individuals receive services tailored to their unique needs. Recovery Navigators assess the individual's situation, identify suitable treatment options, and facilitate connections to resources such as detox programs, outpatient or inpatient treatment, Medically Assisted Treatment, and other support systems like housing and relapse prevention. The primary goal is to ensure that clients are linked to comprehensive, timely, and effective care that fosters long-term recovery.

MEET JENNA - Overdose Prevention Social Counselor

As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, my role works to support individuals by sharing my experience and connecting individuals with trusted care facilities. I draw on a vast network of reliable resources to help clients access the services they need, from treatment centers to community support groups. By sharing these resources, I ensure that the individuals I work with are placed into trustworthy and effective care facilities that address their specific needs. My role also includes helping clients navigate the process, offering guidance, and advocating for their needs, ensuring they are prepared and supported through every step of their recovery journey. This holistic support helps build trust and encourages individuals to remain engaged in their recovery, knowing they have a strong team behind them.

Specific to my role at the Health Department, I collaborate with paramedics who respond to overdose cases to ensure a seamless transition from emergency care to appropriate treatment facilities. When paramedics revive an individual following an overdose, I will step in to provide immediate support and link the individual directly to the most suitable treatment services. Working closely with EMS, I follow the recommendation of medical professionals to help assess the individual's immediate needs and coordinate with trusted care facilities, ensuring they receive the recommended level of care, whether it be detoxification, inpatient treatment, or other necessary support. This direct linkage from emergency services to treatment helps reduce gaps in care and increases the likelihood of the individual engaging in long-term recovery.