where to find narcan in chattanooga revida recovery

where to find narcan in chattanooga revida recovery

The opioid epidemic has taken many lives too soon – loved ones who had goals, dreams, and life beyond opioids. When their light is gone, all it leaves is a trail of darkness heading nowhere.

What if there was a way to give them a chance to heal, to be revived from an overdose, and given a chance at a life opioid-free? This is where Narcan® comes in, a life-saving medication to reverse opioid overdoses.

Between 2017 and June 2024, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services documented at least 103,000 lives saved thanks to Narcan® administration. This shows the significance of having the medication available in our communities.

ReVIDA® Recovery provides opioid use disorder treatment for those ready to get help. We understand that not everyone is ready for this step, which is why we are discussing where to find Narcan® in Chattanooga and how this medication works.

The Significance of Narcan®: How it Saves Lives

Narcan® is the brand name of the medication naloxone and is specifically utilized to reverse opioid overdoses. When opioids enter the body, they bind to opioid receptors in the brain and along the central nervous system. This causes side effects of euphoria, relaxation, and drowsiness.

When too many doses of opioids are in the body at once, an overdose can occur. The central nervous system slows to dangerous levels, which affects breathing and heart rate. As breathing stops, oxygen can no longer get to vital organs. Opioid overdoses can be fatal due to this.

Narcan® works by blocking the effects of opioids, restoring breathing, and stopping the overdose. It essentially detaches the opioids from the receptors and blocks them from reattaching. The brain is able to restore breathing and vital systems, saving the life of the person experiencing the overdose. Narcan® only works on opioid overdoses, it is ineffective against any other substance.

The Legality of Narcan® in Tennessee

The most recent amendment to Tennessee law surrounding Narcan® distribution was in July of 2022. The goal of mending the legality of Narcan® was to make it more accessible amidst the influx of overdoses seen throughout the state. The law is as follows:

  1. All licensed healthcare practitioners can prescribe Narcan® in good faith and exercise reasonable care. They are permitted to prescribe to anyone suspected of an opioid overdose or to family, friends, or bystanders who are trying to treat an opioid overdose.
  2. Individuals and entities may store Narcan® and distribute it to those who need it. This must be done so at no cost. First responders can also receive and store Narcan® and give it to any person experiencing an overdose or a person who may need to assist someone who is overdosing.
  3. Civil immunity is granted to licensed healthcare professionals, individuals, and entities that administer Narcan® without gross negligence or willful misconduct. This means that you will not be held liable should the person have something go wrong after Narcan® administration as long as you attempt to give the medication properly.

Though the law hasn’t changed too much over the years, the most recent amendment made it so it is no longer required to provide written reasoning as to why you need Narcan®. This makes the process of obtaining Narcan® more discreet and private, encouraging people who need Narcan® to get the medication.

the significance of narcan how it saves lives

Where to Get Life-Saving Narcan® in Chattanooga

Narcan® is widely available through various outlets. Because of the opioid epidemic and the increased rate of overdoses, many local and government agencies offer Narcan® distribution at little to no cost. Many harm reduction programs also have Narcan® available. Let’s look at where you can find Narcan® in Chattanooga.

Local Narcan® Distribution Centers

The Hamilton County Coalition offers many resources for Chattanooga and surrounding community residents. The Nu-Start program has Narcan® available for free as well as training to administer it. The program also helps connect families to resources and advocates for opioid use disorder recovery. They offer an online form or can be reached at 423-208-3523 or 423-208-3473.

Outside of Chattanooga’s Volunteer Comprehensive Treatment clinic is an old newspaper box stocked with free Narcan® kits. The box exists due to donations from Chattanooga Harm Reduction as a way to provide Narcan® to those in need. During clinic hours, kits are available inside for free. Since its opening in late September of 2024, the Narcan® newspaper box has distributed around 20 kits per day. This is a great way to get Narcan® discreetly and with no questions asked.

Government Narcan® Distribution

The Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) of Tennessee work to collect data and distribute Narcan® to areas in need. Throughout the 13 regions, 20 ROPS are in operation in the state. They are made up of paramedics, peer recovery specialists, nurses who are in recovery, and more. The goal is to connect the communities to Narcan® and reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use disorders. ROPS provides training on how to use Narcan® as well. Chattanooga is in Region 3S, with the following contact information:

Debra Clark Morgan

debra.clark@hccoalition.org

(423) 316-0283

Tennessee Harm Reduction Programs

Many harm reduction programs offer Narcan® and other services to help those living with an opioid use disorder. Step TN offers Narcan® kits and training as well as needle exchanges, HIV/HCV testing, wound care supplies, and education on safe injecting. The goals of Step TN are to prevent the spread of bloodborne illnesses and provide a safe disposal site for used injection supplies. The program has seen a 50% reduction in syringes discarded in public places, which improves community safety and health. Step TN in Chattanooga can be found here:

STEP TN Chattanooga @ The Impact Hub

4001 Rossville Blvd

Chattanooga, TN 37407

423-834-7374

Is Narcan® Available to Buy Narcan® Online?

Narcan® is available to purchase online from various retailers. Amazon offers a 2-dose Narcan® kit for around $45 as well as other options. Many retailers including CVS and Walgreens also sell Narcan® both in person and online. The official Narcan® website also has purchasing options as well as a locator for retail providers.

Tennessee Harm Reduction has an online program to get free Narcan® delivered to you. 8 doses are shipped in discreet packaging at no cost. There are also other harm reduction supplies available for purchase through Tennessee Harm Reduction for a cost. Fentanyl test strips, syringes, benzodiazepine test strips, and glassware are available as well as kits including Narcan®, fentanyl test strips, and syringes.

Narcan® Training Courses in Chattanooga

Though training is not required to administer Narcan®, it can be beneficial to ensure you are giving the medication properly. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers training for Narcan® administration. There are in-person and online classes as well as training videos on their website.

The Hamilton County Coalition offers many options for Narcan® training. There are various virtual sessions available, making it easy and convenient to sign up for a course. There is also the option to request in-person training.

where to get life saving narcan in chattanooga

Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder in Chattanooga, TN

Though Narcan® is a life-saving medication, it is not a solution to opioid use disorders. The good news is there are treatment options available right here in Chattanooga. Suboxone treatment in Chattanooga in conjunction with therapy and coping skill development will give you the tools needed to overcome opioids and leave them behind for good. Suboxone will help curb cravings and allow you to focus on your recovery and what led to use in the first place, paving the way to your successful treatment path.

If you or someone you love is looking for opioid use disorder treatment near Chattanooga, ReVIDA® Recovery has you covered. Our team will help you navigate the treatment process through our outpatient therapy and Suboxone regimes. Care coordinators will help with housing, food, jobs, and any other assistance you may require while attending our program. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.

Reclaim your life.