CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennessee and Kentucky have been named in the top 20 states with the highest drug use, according to a recent national study. Drug abuse and prevention has been a leading topic for law enforcement and government leadership as the number of overdoses and drug use continue to rise. The epidemic spans across all cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels.

There were 22 key indicators in the national study to determine states with the worst drug use.  Factors ranged from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and employee drug testing laws. Along with ranking number 14 overall, Tennessee ranked in the Top Five for states with the opioid prescriptions per 100 people.

Montgomery County overdose data
Statistical information taken from the TN Department of Health website.

While 2018 reporting is not yet complete, Tennessee Department of Health data show 1,776 Tennesseans died from drug overdoses in 2017. This is the highest annual number of such deaths since reporting began.

Nationally, President Trump has declared the crisis a national emergency increasing the federal drug budget to $27.7 billion in 2018. What is done on a local and statewide level impacts Clarksville-Montgomery County residents immediately. Local government and community action organizations have partnered together for several initiatives.

Opioid Task Force

Originally the Mayor’s Opioid Task Force, the group formed last year to to help the City of Clarksville develop a coordinated local response to the opioid crisis. It has since merged into a larger countywide group. Allies For Substance Abuse Prevention of Montgomery County (ASAP) is aligned with a drive by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention to create local anti-drug coalitions.

ASAP will host a free Narcan training event along with the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) on June 19 at Civic Hall. This sold out event will train the general public on Narcan (naloxone), an opioid reversal agent used by law enforcement. Additional events and seminars are still being planned.

Faith Based Leaders

The Tennessee Department of Health is holding an Opioid Summit for faith based leaders in Tennessee on June 20. The summit hopes to increase the engagement and enable religious leaders to have a voice in the recovery process. The event is free but registration is required.

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Tennessee Redline

Part of the TN Together plan, Tennessee Redline is a toll free number, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide support for people dealing with opioid addiction. Reports from the hotline will be sent to necessary health-related board or law enforcement agency. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, you are urged to call the Tennessee Redline. Officials say those who call and report information will be protected. The number is 1-800-889-9789.

Together, Tennesseans can combat the opioid epidemic. To get involved, or learn more about local efforts and initiatives, follow ASAP on Facebook.