OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Since May 2023, the Oak Ridge Police Department said the city has given out 194 doses of Narcan. The drug, otherwise known as naloxone, is commonly used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, often saving lives.
"It's been more common for officers to respond to overdoses with the naloxone. It's helped our department meet our objective of trying to reduce injuries or fatalities from opioid uses or exposure," said Christina Askren, an officer with the Oak Ridge Police Department.
It's been used to save lives across the country. In Oak Ridge, the community is coming together to try to help people struggling with opioid abuse. ASAP of Anderson, a nonprofit that works to reduce substance misuse among young people and adults in Anderson County, said it has logged thousands of volunteer hours.
"There are community outreach programs within our neighborhoods such as churches, ASAP of Anderson County, and some pharmacies carry it as well," said Askren.
The nonprofit teamed up with First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge to advocate to prevent substance abuse. The two organizations are hosting Mobile Recovery, a national organization that also advocates to prevent addiction.
On Oct. 5, Mobile Recovery will also give out 250 doses of Narcan to people who stop by its event. It will be a part of its national 2024 bus tour.
Narcan is also available at drug stores like CVS and Walgreens for around $45. People can reach out to ASAP of Anderson County for doses and training on how to use Narcan.