The Hawkins County EMS Overdose Awareness Program was developed through opioid settlement funding to reduce overdose deaths by combining emergency medical response with proactive community outreach, prevention and recovery support. The program includes a dedicated mobile overdose awareness unit, community education, naloxone distribution, leave-behind resource kits, ODMAPS overdose surveillance reporting and partnerships with regional recovery organizations to connect individuals with treatment and support services.
Since its launch, the program has distributed hundreds of overdose prevention kits, expanded outreach throughout rural East Tennessee and has been associated with a measurable reduction in overdose-related 911 calls and EMS naloxone administrations within Hawkins County.
Project partners and the county continuously monitor and evaluate the program to identify opportunities for improvement, adapt to emerging drug trends and increase overdose awareness and prevention efforts throughout Hawkins County and across East Tennessee. By bringing prevention, education and recovery resources directly into the communities we serve, the program is helping improve public health while demonstrating an innovative and sustainable use of opioid settlement funding.
To see other examples of county opioid settlement innovations and contact the UT SMART Initiative staff, please visit their website at smart.tennessee.edu.