Harm Reduction

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee as a point of contact for training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone.

ROPS focus on three primary groups with their work:

  • First Responders
  • Individuals at high risk of overdose, their families, and friends
  • Agencies and organizations that provide treatment and recovery services or community resources
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Narcan Kits Distributed in Knox County
*Stats from Fiscal Year 2021

In addition to the priority populations, the ROPS will train all interested community members. The Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists interface with their assigned communities primarily through training events. Material for the trainings consists of:

Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction is a way of preventing disease and promoting health that meets people where they are rather than making judgments about where they should be. Scientifically-proven ways of mitigating risks associated with use are essential. This includes the distribution of the lifesaving opioid overdose antidote Naloxone.

Addressing Stigma

ROPS seek to reduce stigma in their communities by encouraging people at their trainings to use person first language remembering that the person living with a substance use disorder is still a person first. Other stigma reducing topics include identifying unintentional bias, examining drug use from a continuum perspective, and understanding that substance misuse is often linked to trauma.

Increasing Public Awareness

In their trainings, ROPS also share knowledge of the broader trends of the opioid crisis, the brain science of addiction, compassion fatigue, and how to administer naloxone.

Learn More / Schedule a Training

To learn more or to schedule an opioid education and naloxone training, please contact your Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist below. You can also use the link below to find the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist who serves your area.

Find a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist
Contact the Knox County ROPS