Roane County Sees 48% Decrease in Overdose Deaths

Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition, Inc.

Active for more than 20 years, the Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition is the primary catalyst for overdose prevention efforts in rural Roane County in East Tennessee. Under the coalition's leadership, Roane County adopted a comprehensive substance use prevention approach that includes preventing substance use initiation, outpatient and residential treatment, ongoing recovery support services, and community-based relapse prevention.

The coalition's Executive Director leads the Roane County Opioid Abatement Council—the council responsible for managing opioid settlement funds. The Council is made up of community leaders across many sectors, with standing members representing county government, the health department, the regional medical center, the county school system, emergency services, and more. Each of these sectors help implement coalition activities. For example, council members distribute "Talk, They Hear You" materials to parents during school and community events to encourage them to have discussions with their kids about substance use.

In October 2024, the council used opioid settlement funds to create three new community-serving positions:

• A community navigator at the local hospital who helps patients admitted to the emergency department for an overdose or another substance use related issue access substance use disorder treatment.
• A community navigator employed through the Roane County Health Department who connects incarcerated individuals to various services across the county, including substance use disorder treatment and recovery support.
• A specialist within the school system who trains school staff and administrators on practices and strategies to address traumatic experiences among youth.

The specialist within the school system works closely with law enforcement and other first responders to implement the "Handle with Care" program to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). If a first responder encounters a child during a call, the child's information is forwarded to their school. This alerts the school to ensure the child is "handled with care." If a child needs additional interventions, on-site mental health services are made available at the school.

These three professionals work together to help address substance use in the community for adults and youth. As a result of this initiative, Roane County received an award for Excellence in the Application of the Opioid Litigation Principles.

The coalition's activities are making a difference. Roane County Medical Examiner data show that the county saw a 48% decrease in overdose deaths between 2023 (n=71) and 2024 (n=40). The highest percentage of deaths were due to fentanyl and methamphetamine—a trend that the coalition is continuing to address. Coalition members routinely meet with state senators and representatives to bring attention to issues surrounding substance use disorder, with instrumental involvement by the community's youth coalition.