Hamilton County launches first overdose prevention team in Tennessee

From Local 3 News: The Hamilton County Mayor's office and Hamilton County EMS have launched a new overdose prevention team, marking a groundbreaking initiative not only for Hamilton County but for the state of Tennessee.

This team, the first of its kind in the state, is part of the county’s broader effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.

According to Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, the new overdose prevention team will play a pivotal role in the county's aggressive approach to addressing opioid addiction.
Wamp emphasized the vital role that Hamilton County EMS personnel will play in this initiative, helping to provide immediate care and support to those affected by overdose.

For years, Hamilton County EMS focused on the immediate treatment of overdose victims. Now, with the formation of this new team, the focus has expanded to include long-term care, aimed at guiding individuals through a continued recovery process.

Wade Batson, the Director of Hamilton County EMS, explained that the team will not only provide immediate intervention but will also work to connect individuals to treatment options that will help them address their opioid addiction in a more sustained way.

“We want to get people medicated-assisted treatment for their opioid addiction, and also support their transition into more permanent treatment solutions,” Batson stated.

Dr. Ron Buchheit, the architect behind the strategy for this overdose prevention team, explained that the team’s goal is to eliminate the barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help.

Many people struggling with opioid addiction face challenges such as finding transportation to treatment centers, concerns about privacy, or fears of stigma. By addressing these issues, the team hopes to make it easier for people to access the care they need.

“The team will provide not just emergency care, but ongoing support to help individuals navigate the recovery process,” Dr. Buchheit said. “We aim to ensure that everyone who seeks help gets personalized treatment based on their unique needs.”

In addition to paramedics who will provide immediate care, the team includes peer support specialists who will assist individuals in identifying obstacles to their recovery.

A dedicated navigator from the health department will help guide individuals toward community resources and long-term rehabilitation options.

The team will operate through two Quick Response Vehicles. These vehicles are unmarked to protect the privacy of patients, helping to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction treatment.

Dr. Buchheit emphasized that this initiative is not just about treating addiction but also about changing the narrative around it.
 
“There’s no group of people who are untouched by addiction. What we want to do is go beyond that and find ways to help individuals get back into society and lead fulfilling lives free from addiction,” Dr. Buchheit explained.

As the program begins, the team will be hiring paramedics, peer support specialists, and navigators to support its efforts. With the help of opioid settlement funding from the state, the initiative will provide treatment at no cost to patients, helping to ensure that everyone who needs assistance can access it.

In addition to the launch of the Overdose Prevention Team, the county is allocating funds to several key partners.

These are the organizations who would receive proposed funding for the Renewal Project: Launch, CADAS, The McNabb Center, Chambliss Center for Children, Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, and End School-Age Homelessness Initiative.