February 6, 2024, ,HAMILTON CO., TN – Hamilton County residents have identified substance abuse, including fentanyl, as a significant issue in a recent public health survey conducted by the health department.
During a health department meeting on Monday, residents voiced concerns about the accessibility of the life-saving drug Narcan, crucial in opioid overdose situations.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp acknowledged the severity of the opioid crisis, emphasizing its widespread impact across the community.
Brenda Purcell, who tragically lost her son to a drug overdose in 2019, expressed frustration over the limited availability of Narcan at the health department. Despite seeking Narcan there, she was informed they were out of stock.
In response to inquiries about the shortage, a spokesperson for the health department cited receiving only a limited supply of Narcan from the Tennessee Department of Health, resulting in insufficient quantities for widespread distribution.
Mayor Wamp reassured the public that Narcan is available on all Hamilton County ambulances and with every first responder, highlighting alternative access points.