NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Addiction continues to tear families apart across communities.
One person died every day of a suspected overdose in Davidson County in the first quarter of this year, according to the latest numbers from Metro Nashville Public Health.
Although it’s down slightly from the previous year, overdoses are a concern to the health department.
That’s why the Department of Public Health will hold its first Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit next week.
“There is no reason to celebrate, no reason to be complacent, because we are losing one every day. If anything, there is a place to increase passion, increase advocacy, strengthen collaboration, and put resources into action.” It’s time to ramp up the number of cases to impact the entire community,” said Dr. Anidorie Melville Chester, director of Behavioral Health and Wellness at Metro Public Health.
The summit will also provide resources on suicide prevention and addressing violence.
The health department is also currently working on adding more free services to the public. They want to provide more support with access to treatment and mental health services.
They are in the process of adding more clinicians to serve the community.
“Especially for people who are underserved, underinsured, and can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket costs. By opening these services here, we’re breaking that barrier. “We want to get rid of that. People will be able to come here and see a case manager and access treatment services at all of our facilities. “Metro Public Health’s clinics are huge. Dr. Melville-Chester explained.
The summit is scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday. They want prevention and intervention techniques.
Music City’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit will be held in Nashville’s Riverside on Youngs Lane. It’s free and open to the public. You can register here.
Here we take a closer look at how overdoses occur.
First quarter of 2024: 92 suspected fatal overdoses recorded.
First quarter of 2024: EMS responded to 1,045 suspected overdoses.
First quarter of 2024: 63% of people suspected of fatal overdose showed the presence of fentanyl on medical examination.
Carey recommends:
A beautiful musical gift from a Nashville group to a mid-state family
“This story by Jason Lamb and photojournalist Catherine Steward left me speechless. Its beauty is simply felt. You will be moved by this story, trust me. .”
-Carrie Sharp
