Resources in

Tennessee

In 2022, there were 3,825 identified 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.

Get Naloxone Mailed to You

Through our partnership with Hellbender Harm Reduction, people living in Tennessee are able to access free naloxone nasal spray by mail.

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.

Syringe Services Program 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. The program map hosted by the Tennessee Department of Health details these programs and includes addresses and operating hours in a searchable interface.

TENNESSEE REDLINE

The Tennessee REDLINE is the 24/7 resource for substance-related treatment referrals. Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.