Latest news with #MetroDrugCoalition
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Decline in overdose deaths continues in Knox County amid outreach efforts
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The number of suspected overdose deaths has been declining in Knox County over the past few years, and the trend is expected to continue. According to the District Attorney's Office, 110 people have died of suspected drug overdoses in Knox County so far in 2025. This time last year, there were 137 deaths, and this time in 2023 there were 185 deaths. Two convicted in 2022 death of child in New Tazewell get lengthy prison sentences Jessica Birch, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist with Metro Drug Coalition, said this decline is expected to continue. 'The data kind of tells a story as to what that's going to look like, if it's going to trend upward or if we are going to start seeing some of those declines. So we have, and we expect to continue to see some of those, but at the same time we do have an everchanging drug supply,' she explained. So, what is leading to the decline? Enforcement is part of it. 'The enforcement component of it is really important,' Scott Erland with the Knoxville Police Department said. 'In terms of identifying those individuals who are responsible for trafficking drugs in our community, and the scourge of those overdose deaths, holding those individuals accountable, cutting off that supply and saving lives.' Lawyer, state lawmaker discuss former Blount County teacher's sentence amid calls to change laws Several local agencies work together through the Drug Related Death Task Force. In April, KPD arrested a man as part of an investigation into an overdose death of a 23-year-old woman. Three people were also indicted in April, in connection to two other deaths. 'We had Amanda Martin and George Joslin, who were both indicted and arrested in connection to a March 2024 overdose death of a 54-year-old woman. And we recently had Demichael Hines, who was indicted for second degree murder in connection to the December 2023 overdose death of an 18-year-old woman,' Erland said. Community outreach is another factor behind the decline in deaths. 'We continue to host free trainings for the community, we continue to do also the individual kind of intervention type trainings as well,' Birch said. 'Then with the community outreach efforts, that's where we're able to distribute all the harm reduction tools that we have such as Naloxone.' Titans player featured in Naloxone-awareness campaign in Fentress County Suspected drug overdoses in Knox County have been dropping since 2021, when there were 533 deaths. In 2024, there were 301 deaths. These deaths were reported by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. Since they are suspected overdose deaths, the numbers can fluctuate throughout the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Knox County seeing impact of fentanyl despite 2024 decline in drug-related deaths
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knox County Sheriff's Office seized a sizeable amount of drugs on St. Patrick's Day, including enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of people. Metro Drug Coalition has been around for more than three decades with the purpose to help those in recovery get the help they need. In the last few years, there has been a substantial increase in the amount of fentanyl seen across East Tennessee. MDC Director of Grants and Government Relations Karen Pershing told 6 News that seizures like the one in Knox County help in the fight against the drug. US agency targeted for elimination provided vital funding to Beck Center, Zoo Knoxville 'Of course, the drug seizures and securing the border can also be a factor with fentanyl coming into the country,' Pershing said. 'The less of this that's in our community, the less harm it's going to do to the individuals we are trying to serve.' Over two pounds of fentanyl was seized by the sheriff's office. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, 2.2 pounds of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people which is roughly equivalent the population of Knox County. 'While total numbers for 2024 are not complete at this time, I can say that we had a significant decrease in drug-related deaths in 2024 for Knox County,' Knox County Regional Forensic Center Director Chris Thomas told 6 News. 'Synthetic fentanyl and analogs continue to make up 70% or more of all drug fatalities in Knox County.' That 70% mark goes to show how much of a problem Fentanyl is in our area. Pershing told fentanyl is seen in a variety of different forms. Ex-Knox County narcotics chief accused of using unit as 'personal piggy bank' to stand trial 'It's laced in most of the drugs that are on the street now,' Pershing said. 'Even if you're not looking for fentanyl, sometimes you will accidentally ingest it not realizing that it may be in your cocaine. [It] could be in heroin or could be a fake pill that's on the street mimicking a prescription medication.' She added that kicking any drug is difficult. However, fentanyl is such a powerful addiction it makes it that much harder to quit using, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 'They struggle with getting into treatment and maintaining recovery. We are seeing people find recovery all day every day here,' Pershing said. 'We know it's possible, if anyone out there is in need of help getting into treatment or needing recovery support services once they exit treatment please let us know and we are happy to help.' Thomas said that while it's early, data they have shows a continued trend in decline of drug-related deaths. Metro Drug Coalition offers services for prevention all the way to post recovery assistance. ▶ See more top stories on Metro Drug also distributes fentanyl testing strips to those who ask for them. Pershing said this allows people to test their drugs to see if there is any fentanyl and gives them a choice of whether to use or not. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘A hand up': Tennessee celebrates Day of Hope
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Monday, March 10 marks Tennessee's sixth annual Day of Hope. This statewide celebration is all about helping others, whether those struggling with homelessness, substance use or mental health issues. The Metro Drug Coalition hosted four events this Day of Hope, supporting homeless people, justice-involved individuals, youth and families, and those in need of mental health and faith initiatives. 6 News went to the event in Sam Duff Park to see how they were helping the unhoused community. Dollywood employee airlifted from park Josh Webb with Metro Drug Coalition explained that giving back was a passion of his, especially to the unhoused. 'This is a hand up and a give-back, something we can do that's so easy to get someone back on their feet,' Webb said. Another person with Metro Drug Coalition said, 'If you want to come out and volunteer, don't be shy, don't be scared. Every little thing helps. Even if you just come out to talk to somebody, make them feel like they're important, make them feel like their life is worth something, sometimes that's all it takes to make somebody want to seek that help to do better.' One dead after possible shooting, Knox County Sheriff's Office said Learn how to volunteer with Metro Drug Coalition on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
