The Roane County Opioid Abatement Council (RCOAC), formed in April 2023, continues to make strides in its mission to combat the opioid crisis in Roane County. Meeting monthly, the council has been working diligently to implement its strategic plan, which focuses on reducing the devastating impacts of opioid abuse in the community.
The Crisis at a Glance
Tennessee has faced a worsening opioid epidemic over the last decade, with drug overdose death rates tripling between 2011 and 2021. Opioids account for 80% of these fatalities, and Roane County is no exception to this crisis. In response, the RCOAC was established to allocate settlement funds and financial donations strategically to reduce the prevalence and impact of opioid abuse disorders (OUD) in the community.
Leadership and Vision
The creation of the RCOAC was spearheaded by Roane County Executive, Wade Creswell who appointed the council under the direction of the Roane County Commission. Executive Creswell’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing together diverse stakeholders and ensuring the council operates with a clear focus on addressing the opioid crisis effectively.
Objectives and Focus Areas
The council has outlined five key targets:
- Reduce deaths caused by Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
- Reduce the trauma experienced by children affected by SUD.
- Decrease reliance on emergency care for SUD-related incidents.
- Lower the number of SUD-related arrests.
- Expand access to mental health resources.
The council’s efforts are rooted in prevention, trauma reduction, treatment, and recovery support, focusing on individuals with SUD, affected families and children, and the broader community. The RCOAC’s holistic approach also addresses related factors, including mental health and domestic violence.
Key Accomplishments
In the short term, the RCOAC has made significant progress in building a strong organizational foundation:
- Internal Organization: The council has established key leadership roles, including a chair, co-chair, treasurer, secretary, and leads for communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: A stakeholder engagement strategy is underway, identifying key partners such as local schools, medical facilities, law enforcement, and community organizations.
- Tools & Technology: The council has begun drafting a communications plan to ensure transparency and engagement with both internal and external audiences.
Funding Opportunities
The RCOAC is now accepting funding requests through the RCOAC Funding Request Application. This application provides detailed guidance for organizations seeking financial support for projects, programs, or services aligned with combating the opioid crisis in Roane County. Eligible organizations must:
- Be a non-profit entity or part of the Roane County government system.
- Operate or serve residents in Roane County.
- Submit a fully completed application during the designated periods.
Applications are evaluated based on alignment with RCOAC’s strategic focus areas, including prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. Approved projects must demonstrate measurable impact, sustainability, and adherence to outlined guidelines. For detailed information, refer to the attached RCOAC Funding Request Application or contact the council for further assistance.
Upcoming Initiatives
- Grant Recipient Accountability: The council is developing procedures to track the effectiveness and sustainability of funded initiatives. Award recipients will be required to provide periodic progress reports and final presentations to demonstrate measurable success.
- Stakeholder Analysis: A comprehensive analysis will identify additional partners, such as local corporations and regional organizations, to further strengthen the council’s network.
- Website Development: Plans are in motion to create a dedicated RCOAC website that will serve as a hub for information, grant applications, and community updates.
Future Goals
In the long term, the council aims to:
- Expand its scope to include mental health and non-opioid substance abuse disorders.
- Explore multi-county collaborations to maximize impact.
- Develop an electronic grant application system to streamline processes.
Community Impact
By prioritizing prevention, treatment, and recovery, the RCOAC seeks to build a healthier, more resilient Roane County. The council’s efforts are bolstered by the involvement of diverse stakeholders, from healthcare providers to local government and community organizations.
Get Involved
The RCOAC encourages community members to stay informed and engaged in the fight against opioid abuse. For more information about the council’s work or how you can contribute, contact Kaley Hill at kaley.hill@roanecountytn.gov. Together, we can make a difference.