Tennessee – Tennessee is making a decisive move to combat the opioid crisis that claimed 2,388 lives in 2020, marking a significant health crisis within the state. In a bold response, nearly $81 million in funding has been allocated to various organizations across Tennessee, aimed at addressing the crisis through treatment programs and prevention efforts.
Among the recipients, Meharry Medical College stands out with a substantial award of over $2 million designated for four different programs. Additionally, the Metro government, Nashville CARES, and the Interfaith Dental Clinic of Nashville have been identified as grant recipients, underscoring the wide-ranging approach Tennessee is taking to tackle this epidemic.
The Opioid Abatement Council, instrumental in this initiative, has approved 116 grants targeting six critical areas: Treatment, Recovery and Support, Primary Prevention, Education and Training, Harm Reduction, and Research and Evaluation. This marks a historic move by the committee to distribute community grants aimed at abating the opioid crisis.
These grants are funded by settlements obtained from legal actions against opioid producers, distributors, pharmacies, and marketers, culminating in the establishment of The Opioid Abatement Trust Fund. This initiative represents a significant step towards converting the consequences of corporate misconduct into positive, community-based actions aimed at healing and prevention.
Dr. Stephen Loyd, chairman of the Opioid Abatement Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to establish a comprehensive care system for Tennesseans affected by opioid misuse. According to Dr. Loyd, this system of care promises to serve the state’s needs for the coming decades, ensuring that anyone touched by the opioid crisis can access the appropriate care.
The funding promises support for the various programs for up to three years, signaling a sustained effort to fight the opioid epidemic in Tennessee and provide hope and healing to those most affected.
