NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Public Health Department has issued a SPIKE Alert related to an increase in overdoses over the last three days across Nashville.
Dr. Ann Melville-Chester, Division Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness with the MPHD, said at least 75 overdoses happened within the last four days in Nashville.
“If we have one overdose, we have one too many,” Melville-Chester told News 2.
A map provided by the MPHD showed the overdoses aren’t concentrated in one particular area, but they’re spread across Davidson County. It’s also unclear what drug has casued the overdoses.
“Check on your loved ones. Check on individuals that are by themselves,” Melville-Chester said. “Check on people that are going through stressors. Check on those who are isolated.”
Historically, opioids have been responsible for most overdoses across the Metro Nashville area, according to MPHD data.
“People may not even know that they’ve become dependent on opioids until the opioid is not prescribed anymore and they look for suppliers — friends, family, whatever to be able to meet that need,” Mary Linden Salter, Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction Services, explained.
Metro officials have urged community members to always call 911 in the case of a possible overdose and carry naloxone to help prevent deadly opioid overdoses. While the MPHD has still worked to compile data on the most recent uptick in overdoses, they want to remind people help is available.
“If you’re at home and you’re contemplating substance use because you’re hungry [or] because your light is going to get turned off — these are all stressors — and please reach out to us so we can connect you with some of our partners,” Melville-Chester added. “If you have experienced violence, whether it’s domestic violence or any type of violence, we have resources available.”
Tennessee’s Good Samaritan law also offers protections for people who call 911 in the event of an overdose.
