County using Opioid grant money to hire data analyst

The analyst will document opioid problems in Hamilton County

HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE (WDEF) – Hamilton County officials have decided to use Opioid settlement funds to hire a specialist.

The Opioid Abatement Funds come from the state from a lawsuit settlement.

Each county decides how to spend the money to fight opioid issues in their community.

Mayor Weston Wamp says the first round of Abatement funds will be used to hire a data analyst.

“The opioid epidemic has impacted families in every part of the county. Today we are taking an important first step in addressing the opioid crisis in our community,” said Mayor Wamp.

The data analyst will conduct research and crunch numbers on local opioid-related incidents.

The county will use the information to land future grants.

“I am grateful the County Commission approved the funding for this position so future settlement money can be allocated in the most
effective way possible.”

Former Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy is serving as a consultant to the Mayor.

“I have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and seen first-hand how this crisis has torn families apart.”

“Hiring a data analyst is one of the wisest uses of this money to ensure settlement funds are spent on programs and initiatives that target the real issues, and opens the door to future community partnerships.”

The job will be posted at Hamiltontn.gov on Monday.