Northeast HIA

TThe Northeast Region HIA comprises Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan, and Washington Counties.

The Northeast High Impact Area (HIA) continues to implement targeted initiatives to combat the overdose crisis and reduce substance use disorder (SUD) impacts across the region. Key projects include:

Overdose Monitoring and Response Plan

The Overdose Monitoring and Response (OMAR) Plan outlines the procedures for identifying, monitoring, and addressing overdose spikes or significant changes in overdose patterns. The county-level plans enable timely responses to overdose events by leveraging data and engaging community partners.

Multisector Partnerships

The Northeast Overdose Response Task Force comprises multisector representation across the region. Meeting bi-monthly, this group reviews regional trends, collaborates on response efforts, and implements targeted initiatives. Sullivan County has also formed its own task force in partnership with the Northeast HIA.

Community Outreach, Prevention, and Education

Northeast HIA works with local coalitions, public health professionals, and community stakeholders to increase awareness about overdose prevention, substance use, and harm reduction strategies. These initiatives include public events, educational campaigns, and facilitating the distribution of resources such as naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips.

Pretrial Diversion Program

In collaboration with the Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition (SCAD), the Northeast HIA has developed and implemented a pretrial diversion program for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in the justice system. This program is a collective effort involving representatives from jail staff, judicial staff, public defenders, defense attorneys, probation officers, state district attorneys, certified peer recovery specialists, faith-based organizations, mental health professionals, and prevention coalitions.

Currently, the program is active in two criminal courts, four general session courts, and one juvenile court, with ongoing expansion efforts. It offers alternative treatment options in lieu of jail time, with efforts to expand to additional courts and jurisdictions. Referrals come directly from clients, defense attorneys, and judges both inside and outside of court. Participants are screened to determine appropriate treatment and connected to services such as counseling, inpatient treatment, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and peer support.

Corrections Navigation

In partnership with the Insight Alliance in Washington County, the Northeast HIA has implemented a navigation program within the Washington County Detention Center's RESET Program, designed to support individuals in maintaining their recovery. This program includes two OD2A-funded Corrections Navigators, providing re-entry navigation, harm reduction resources, and naloxone access to individuals exiting the detention center.

For more information on the RESET Program here.

Contact

·       Adam Clark: Northeast HIA Coordinator, Northeast Regional Health Office, adam.clark@tn.gov

·       Alice McCaffrey: Director, Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition, alice@scadcoalition.org

·       Lisa Christian: Sullivan OMAR Coordinator, Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition, lisa@scadcoalition.org

·       Barbara Hale: Pretrial Diversion Project Coordinator, Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition, barbara@scadcoalition.org

·       Jennifer Berven: Director of Insight Alliance/Correction Navigation, jenn@insightalliance.org