Regional First Responders: Resource Engagement Specialty Team (FR: REST)

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Division of Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS-DSAS) will work to enhance collaboration with law enforcement and other first responders to mitigate the impact of illicit opioids, stimulants, and other drugs through the Tennessee Resource Engagement Specialty Teams (TN-REST). TDMHSAS-DSAS has identified six service areas with high rates of prescription misuses among youth and high counts/rates of fatal overdose involving illicit drugs. The service areas will include Knox County, Davidson County, Shelby County, Northeast, Upper Cumberland, and Southwest.

TN-REST aims to increase the support and resources for law enforcement/other first responders through community partnerships to provide additional training and naloxone to law enforcement/first responders (38.5% of total annual budget); leverage community partnerships to increase drug take back events in underserved areas (10%); and to create peer support positions to serve in a deflection and diversion program (38%).

TDMHSAS-DSAS estimates that, TN-REST will host at least 85 Drug Take Back events, distribute at least 34,200 units of naloxone to law enforcement, and provide peer support services/coordination to at least 5,400 individuals.