9th West JD Drug Task Force/South Central Overdose Response Team funded by settlement dollars
On Friday, June 16th, the 9th West Drug Task Force/South Central ORT accepted a check for $360,822.58 to fund an Overdose Response Team (ORT) in Howard County, Little River County, Pike County, and Sevier County for two years.
An ORT partners a law enforcement criminal investigator with a peer recovery specialist (PRS) to respond to fatal and non-fatal overdoses within their jurisdiction. The investigator will work with the law enforcement agency at the scene to identify the drug(s) involved in the overdose, determine the origin of the drug(s), and seek out the supplier for prosecution, with assistance from the DEA Tactical Drug Division. The PRS will provide counseling for the overdose victim on available treatment and recovery services and follow-up and tracking of these individuals to promote treatment and recovery. In cases of a fatal overdose, the PRS will refer family members to grief counseling resources. The PRS will also engage in community education about substance abuse, working with local coalitions and schools.
For more information about Overdose Response Teams, see arorp.org/applicant-information.
