CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Hamilton County EMS, and Hamilton County Health & Social Services today announced the official rollout of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT)—the first initiative of its kind in Tennessee— is now fully staffed and ready to respond countywide.
OPT represents a coordinated effort to combat the opioid crisis by delivering life-saving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and connecting individuals struggling with substance abuse to critical recovery resources.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp stated:
“With the Overdose Prevention Team now in place, Hamilton County is taking a major step forward in how we respond to the opioid crisis… This initiative represents the largest commitment our county has made from opioid abatement funds provided by the State of Tennessee to fight the ongoing epidemic. Addiction touches every part of our community, and this team will meet people where they are—offering life-saving care, meaningful support, and a path to recovery.”
The county’s general services administrator, Kristy Cooper, added that one of the goals of this program was:
“Even though overdose deaths are going down, our goal is to reduce the problem itself.”
The Overdose Prevention Team is now responding to calls and deploying to neighborhoods across the county through Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs).
The team is staffed by three HCEMS outreach units, each consisting of a paramedic and a certified peer support specialist.
Paramedics administer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while peer support specialists, drawing on lived experience in recovery, help identify barriers and provide ongoing support.
In addition, two navigators with Health & Social Services connect individuals to community resources for long-term rehabilitation.
One of those navigators, Andy Miller, Peer Support Specialist on the Overdose Prevention Team said:
“Recovery is for those who truly want it, not just those who need it… Our goal is to make that connection easier and faster for Hamilton County residents, no matter their circumstances. I know firsthand how much it helps to have someone who’s been through it come alongside you—someone who can guide families and offer hope along the way.”
Miller added that he overcame his personal struggles with drug addiction, saying he is lucky to be alive.
He said:
“I have been in the back of several of the Hamilton County ambulances for overdoses… I think having somebody that’s been there and been through it. They’re explaining these things to a client that might not know. I was not well informed of what substance abuse treatment would look like. I kinda thought it would be a bootcamp or something, and it is not… It’s a great time to get clean. I don’t think it’s ever been easier to get clean or sober as it is right now.”
The bridge training program was designed to provide timely medical care and comprehensive support for overdose victims and their families, which was developed under the leadership of Dr. Ron Buchheit, Hamilton County Medical Services Director.
The OPT operates seven days a week, year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Individuals seeking assistance or more information can call 423-209-7777.
