About Us

Tennessee's Opioid Abatement Council was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in Public Chapter 491  to oversee the distribution and use of funds received from the national opioid settlement agreements. The Council is a collaborative body made up of state officials from relevant agencies, local government representatives, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community leaders and individuals with lived experience with effects of substance misuse or abuse.

The Council Members are appointed by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the House Speaker, the Tennessee County Services Association, and the Tennessee Municipal League.  Additionally, the Commissioner of TDMHSAS serves on the Council as a non-voting member.  Appointees of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the House Speaker serve an initial four year term.  Appointees of the TN County Services Association and Municipal League serve an initial five year term. The Council Meetings are scheduled at least quarterly and rotate throughout the state and always have a virtual attendance option.

The Council has the responsibility to ensure the funds are used to abate the opioid epidemic crisis through Community Funding and County Funding in Tennessee. Settlement funds are designated to be used for the prevention of opioid misuse and addiction, for the treatment of those struggling with opioid use disorder, to support those in recovery and to reduce overdose deaths as listed in Resources.

The Council uses collaboration and partnerships with a community-centered focus to ensure that resources are distributed equitable across the state. The Council is dedicated to maintaining collaboration, transparency and accountability to ensure those resources are used effectively and efficiently. The Council voted to approve the creation of a Community Advocacy Panel to give a voice to Tennesseans with lived experience so they can share their input.

The video below features comments from Council Chairman Dr. Stephen Loyd and Council Executive Director Mary Shelton.  They discuss some of the Council’s initial work including the first direct payments for counties, the makeup of the council, and why openness is essential in the process.