Mobile Response Teams Sent Out to Battle Opioid Addiction
It is an epidemic that knows no boundaries and kills thousands each year. The opioid crisis is right in our backyard. Just last year, more than 1,600 Tennesseans died from opioid overdoses. Now, a local organization is putting boots on the ground, not only in the Volunteer State, but across the country to help those struggling with opioid addiction. Daniel Jensen is a recovering addict with nine years of sobriety. He was addicted to pain killers after suffering a workplace in
Farragut Wellness Center Using New Device to Fight Opioid Epidemic
FARRAGUT, Tenn. (WATE) – There’s a new device helping fight the opioid epidemic and the results are already being seen in East Tennessee. It’s called The Bridge and a facility in Farragut, the Goodman Center, is the only one in Tennessee to have it. The device looks like a hearing aid but it serves a different purpose. It is a pain-free detox for people hooked on opioids. “For many people, that is the first yet most important step. They just don’t want to go through the pain,
East Tennessee Family: Son Would Benefit from Legal Medical Marijuana
Tennessee Democrats vote to support medical marijuana MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The debate surrounding medical cannabis continues in Tennessee. Lawmakers are studying the potential impacts of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in the state. A task force consisting of state senators and representatives are taking a harder look at the issue. While research continues before the next legislative session, a family in Maryville is advocating for their beliefs in the plant. M
Opioid Epidemic is Personal for Oliver Springs Police Chief
Oliver Springs Police Chief Kenneth Morgan is the third top law enforcement officer in East Tennessee who is sharing their story of addiction hitting too close to home. Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch has spoken several times about raising a baby born with NAS, and Roane County Sheriff Jack Stockton has a son who is battling addiction. Morgan says nearly every criminal his department deals with is motivated by addiction, but there's one person in particular making this fi
Addiction Specialist Calls Lawsuit Over Opioid Crisis "Justified" and "Overdue"
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) - While some Shelby County leaders blasted the lawsuit filed by Shelby County Thursday over the opioid crisis, those in the Mid-South who treat opioid addiction say the legal action is justified and overdue. That lawsuit names two dozen defendants, including pharmaceutical companies, Tennessee pharmacy companies, and medical clinics which served this area. Shelby County set new record highs for overdose deaths involving heroin and opioids fiv