Hamilton County recognizes National Overdose Awareness Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County is on pace for more than 200 overdose deaths this year.  

The Hamilton County Coalition and other organizations came together Thursday.

They are working to raise awareness of the impact of drug overdoses.

Their goal is to remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the families they left behind.

“All four of the YMCA locations are participating with us as we share information and talk about recovery support, and then just remember those who were lost to an overdose also those families who are still here to deal with the aftermath,” said Calandra Smith, Assistant Director, Hamilton County Coalition

In Tennessee that adds up to more than 3,000 deaths a year.

Fentanyl use is driving that number higher. 

The Hamilton County Coalition is doing everything it can to reverse that trend.

“We want to help reduce the stigma. There is just a lot of stigmas around overdoses, as it relates, and some people think it is just a substance use disorder problem. But could be an accidental overdose. If you have a loved one that is struggling with substance, use disorder, those are all something that is preventable,” said Smith. 

Mayor Tim Kelly declared August 31 as overdose awareness day in Chattanooga. It is also International Overdose awareness day. 

Smith said, “With the coalition among partners like UTC, volunteer behavior health, we are always doing something in the community, to remind people of the services and resources that are available to them.

Families are encouraged to never give up. Support groups are ready to help.

“Somebody’s family, daughter, son, mother, and father is still out there battling and we just want to take a moment and just celebrate that fight,” said BJ Bistro, Outreach event Coordinator for CADAS.  ” We just want let people know that lives are at stake. This is something that definitely needs to be taken seriously.”