Leaders pushing for more access to naloxone to combat opioid epidemic
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee has started to see a shift with respect to the opioid epidemic.
While the number of overdoses happening within the state remains high, according to the Tennessee Department of Health's overdose dashboard, there has been some relief with respect to total drug overdoses over time. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies hope one tool can keep the momentum going.
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'Mental illness and substance abuse is something near and dear to me,' state representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) said before the Civil Justice Subcommittee. 'I dare say that everybody sitting here today doesn't know somebody who's overdosed.'
It's a conversation being held at the state's highest level. Lawmakers have taken a closer look at how overdoses impact Tennesseans, as Michael Hotz with the Metro Nashville Police Department's Overdose Unit reported that the city saw 513 overdose deaths last year.
'Five hundred and thirteen is way too many,' Hotz added. 'That's way too many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and that's something we seek to change.'
Hotz called it a 30.4% reduction in overdose deaths for Nashville. While the number is a significant drop, Hotz said there's still something missing.
'We know that that's the only thing if someone is fallen over, dying from a fentanyl overdose — the only thing that will help is naloxone,' said George Massengill, who testified in favor of Rep. Faison's bill.
Faison pointed to Tennessee's opioid abatement council, which was established after a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma. The lawsuit resulted in Tennessee receiving $1.2 billion over 18 years to combat the crisis. Faison's bill proposes that 25% of those opioid abatement funds be allocated to naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Faison said currently, only 6-8% of the funds are being used on naloxone.
It's an effort that is being echoed on a local level, with the MNPD working to distribute Narcan boxes to more areas throughout the city.
'Having naloxone and Narcan products in the general public is crucial,' Hotz said.
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During a community meeting, Hotz explained that more than 6,000 overdose kits were distributed to different communities last year. He hopes to expand the program.
'Did y'all know that Nashville has the second-highest rate of overdose deaths in the United States? Not enough people know that,' Hotz said. 'I would like to facilitate getting Narcan or naloxone products into your churches.'
Faison's bill is expected to pass with bipartisan support. It is set to be up for discussion again Wednesday morning.
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