“Hamilton Counted” breaks down social problems in the community

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County is breaking down several social problems facing our community,

“Hamilton Counted” adds up the numbers on crime, overdoses and homelessness in the area. It is a monthly report Senior Data Analyst Jennifer Baggett has put together.

Mayor Weston Wamp says compiling the data will help leaders understand the core challenges they face.  

“Sure enough, data from the homeless health care center, which is high volume and very high-quality data, it’s patient data from people coming and using this county service, which is downtown. It does show a comprehensive picture of homelessness in our community, but it is probably the most thorough picture,” said Mayor Weston Wamp.

The first report showed the Homeless Health Care Center has seen more “street” patients enter their doors this year.

“I have watched the numbers increase drastically from year-to-year, while the popularity of heroin faded, and the rise of fentanyl changed everything. I worked closely with narcotics investigators to provide intelligence-led data that propelled their investigations. I realized very quickly how drugs and addiction do not discriminate,” Baggett said. “I look forward to joining Hamilton County government as their Senior Data Analyst, focusing on understanding the social harms affecting citizens of this wonderful community, and how to make that data actionable in an impactful way.”

The reports will be released monthly to the public. Its release will also be two weeks after the end of each month.