In a 24-hour period from June 10-11, at least five people in the Hamilton County area suffered an overdose — pushing the yearly total number of overdose calls to the Chattanooga Police Department over the 150-mark.

In the month since, the Hamilton County Coalition has given over 300 people overdose reversal training centered around the life-saving medication Naloxone. Out of the total number of people trained, 275 units of Naloxone were distributed to the public to people who passed the training.

Since the overdose spike last June, the HCC has hosted 20 trainings throughout Hamilton County as part of its Rapid Response Initiative to the epidemic. 

“Our priority with this initiative was to educate, train and arm as many people as possible with this life-saving medication,” Hamilton County Coalition Executive Director Camilla Bibbs said. “Some numbers we’ve seen at some of our trainings have been so encouraging and gives us faith that we’re making a difference in Hamilton County.

“Even if just one life is saved from this response, our work will be a success.”

After a month since the initiative launched, the HCC is still offering training sessions in opioid overdose reversal. The HCC will host a training on the third Tuesday of every month at their office, 5721 Marlin Road, Building 6100, Suite 3200 (next to the Public Library Building).

Those in attendance will:
• Learn how to identify the signs of an overdose;
• Learn what to do in critical moments;
• Learn about alternative pain management;
• Learn about treatment & recovery resources.
 
Attendees will also receive training on how to use Naloxone — the life-saving narcotic overdose reversal medicine. A unit of Naloxone will also be made available upon completion of the training. 
For reservations: contact Vanessa Spotts at vanessa.spotts@hccoalition.org or call 423-255-8551. 

The Hamilton County Coalition is a Regional Coalition Resource focused upon empowering communities and reducing the risk of alcohol, tobacco and Rx drug misuse and abuse among youth and adults in Chattanooga and the Southeast Region.  As the regional hub, the HCC provides free services to include environmentally friendly ways of disposing of unwanted mediation, medication lock boxes, opioid overdose reversal training, free naloxone, and assistance with opioid treatment, family counseling and recovery services. The HCC also provides drug and alcohol prevention presentations to youth, young adults and families.
 
This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.