Upper Cumberland Recovery Specialists To Discuss Opioid Abatement

The Upper Cumberland Certified Peer Recovery Specialists will meet Friday to discuss ways to use expected opioid abatement funds.

Substance Abuse Coordinator Mikel Miller said the conversation will be with state-certified Peer Supporters who work directly with people who are new in recovery. He said they already know some of the needs related to travel and housing, so the discussion will be about what the deeper needs are when fighting addiction.

“We need to know what exactly the needs are in recovery,” Miller said. “So we’re hoping to gain information from those individuals that are actually working out there on the street, in those counties, doing the work, and what are the needs.”

Miller said he estimates the State will receive about $300 Million, The local specialists will be asking for funds to cover all 14 Upper Cumberland counties. He said the Upper Cumberland is in need of a lot of help regarding opioid addiction.

“When you look at national statistics, we have counties that are in the top ten percent nationally as far as per capita numbers go,” Miller said. “I mean there everywhere, but that’s not just the Upper Cumberland. But what we do find is that rural areas are being devastated even that much more.”

Miller said the data is already being collected, so the next step is to put together a plan of action. He said it is important to get people into their home county for recovery so they will not have to travel for the help they need.

“We’re looking at all aspects of their recovery,” Miller said. “Whether they’re coming out of incarceration, whether they’re coming off the street, coming out of a detox program, or whatever. We want to make sure that we can provide the services to help bridge them.”
Miller said the public is welcome to attend the discussion as well.