NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While the opioid epidemic continues to take a heavy toll on Tennessee residents, recent efforts by state lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are starting to show signs of progress. Despite the ongoing high number of drug overdoses, there has been some relief in recent years, particularly in Nashville, where overdose deaths saw a significant decline.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health’s overdose dashboard, the state has witnessed a notable shift in the battle against drug overdoses, though the crisis remains severe. In Nashville, a 30.4% reduction in overdose deaths was reported by Michael Hotz, a member of the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Overdose Unit. “Five hundred and thirteen is way too many,” Hotz said, referring to the number of overdose fatalities in the city last year. “That’s way too many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and that’s something we seek to change.”
While the decline is encouraging, Hotz emphasized that much work remains to be done. “We know that the only thing that will help if someone is falling over, dying from a fentanyl overdose — the only thing that will help is naloxone,” said George Massengill, a supporter of recent legislative efforts to increase naloxone distribution. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) is spearheading one such effort. His bill, which is gaining bipartisan support, proposes that 25% of Tennessee’s opioid abatement funds be allocated specifically for naloxone. These funds, amounting to $1.2 billion over 18 years, are the result of a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, which was responsible for much of the opioid crisis in the state. Currently, only 6-8% of the funds are being used for naloxone, a figure Faison hopes to significantly increase.
Faison’s proposed legislation aims to ensure that more naloxone is available to communities across the state. “Mental illness and substance abuse is something near and dear to me,” Faison said before the Civil Justice Subcommittee. “I dare say that everybody sitting here today doesn’t know somebody who’s overdosed.” His statement reflects the widespread impact of the opioid crisis, affecting countless families across Tennessee.
The initiative is being echoed at the local level, with the MNPD actively distributing Narcan boxes to various neighborhoods. In a community meeting, Hotz revealed that over 6,000 overdose kits were distributed in 2024, and he expressed a desire to expand the program further. “Having naloxone and Narcan products in the general public is crucial,” Hotz said, urging local communities to take part in the effort.
Nashville, which holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest rate of overdose deaths in the United States, has become a focal point for overdose prevention strategies. Hotz has been particularly vocal about increasing awareness of this issue, noting that many residents are unaware of the city’s high overdose death rate. “I would like to facilitate getting Narcan or naloxone products into your churches,” he said during the meeting, underscoring the importance of community involvement.
As Faison’s bill progresses, it is expected to receive broad bipartisan support. The legislation is scheduled to be discussed again this Wednesday, signaling that Tennessee lawmakers are serious about expanding access to naloxone and continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic.
With the increased funding and widespread distribution of naloxone, Tennessee is hopeful that more lives can be saved, and overdose deaths can continue to decrease across the state.
