Resources in

Tennessee

In 2020, there were 3,034 identified opioid overdose deaths in the state of Tennessee.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

REGIONAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION SPECIALISTS

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee and provide a point of contact for training and education on overdose prevention and response, and naloxone distribution.

PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS

Many pharmacies in Tennessee provide the option of accessing naloxone without a prescription. We suggest calling ahead to ensure availability and request information about your co-pay. Many insurers including TennCare cover the cost of naloxone.

ONLINE NALOXONE PHARMACY

Naloxone Exchange by Script Health is an online naloxone-specific pharmacy operating in the state of Tennessee. Naloxone Exchange provides intramuscular, intranasal, and auto-injector formulations of naloxone.

TENNESSEE OVERDOSE PREVENTION

A consolidated resource site for overdose prevention resources across the state.

TENNESSEE REDLINE

This website provides helpful information and resources for how to access naloxone in your community.

HARM REDUCTION MAP

The state of Tennessee has several harm reduction programs specifically designed to support people who use drugs (PWUD). Services at harm reduction programs include sterile syringe access (syringe exchange) and naloxone provision. Many also have HIV/HCV testing and a host of other services to support PWUD. Thank you to Tennessee Harm Reduction for their updated harm reduction resource listing.

CHATANOOGA AND JOHNSON CITY RESOURCES

The STEP TN site includes information about local harm reduction services as well as a resource guide which includes MAT, Prevention & Support, Recovery Housing, and Treatment Centers.

NATIONAL DRUG USER ORGANIZING

The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.