How the Tennessee Department of Health is Tackling the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis has been a significant public health concern in the United States for many years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths in the country in 2019, with opioids being involved in 49,860 of those deaths. Tennessee has been hit hard by this crisis in recent years, but the state’s Department of Health has been working tirelessly to tackle the problem.
Background
The opioid crisis in Tennessee has been a growing problem for many years, with the state having one of the highest overdose death rates in the country. In 2018, the state recorded 1,818 overdose deaths, with more than 1,300 involving opioids.
In response to this crisis, the Tennessee Department of Health has been implementing a range of initiatives to address the problem. These initiatives have focused on a number of areas, including overdose prevention, improving access to addiction treatment, and reducing the supply of opioids.
Overdose Prevention
One of the key areas of focus for the Tennessee Department of Health has been overdose prevention. The department has been working to increase public awareness of the risks of opioid misuse and abuse, and to promote the use of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The department has also set up a statewide overdose surveillance system to monitor trends and patterns in overdose deaths and to identify areas where intervention is needed.
Improving Access to Addiction Treatment
The Tennessee Department of Health has recognized that addiction is a disease that requires treatment, and that many people with opioid use disorder are unable to access the care they need. To address this issue, the department has been working to expand access to addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy.
The department has also established a network of peer recovery supports, which provide individuals with access to recovery coaches and other supportive services.
Reducing the Supply of Opioids
The Tennessee Department of Health has been working to reduce the supply of prescription opioids in the state. This has included implementing prescribing guidelines for healthcare providers, establishing a prescription drug monitoring program, and conducting investigations into illegal prescribing and distribution of opioids.
The department has also been working to increase access to non-opioid pain management options, including physical therapy and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis remains a significant public health concern in Tennessee and across the United States. However, the Tennessee Department of Health has been working tirelessly to address the problem, implementing a range of initiatives to prevent overdoses, improve access to addiction treatment, and reduce the supply of opioids.
By continuing to focus on these areas, and by working collaboratively with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders, the department is making progress in the fight against the opioid crisis.
