Substance use disorder and related issues are a burden on the citizens of rutherford county, TN

In 2021, there were 3,841 fatal overdoses in tennessee, of which 141 were in rutherford county. According to the latest CDC data, tennessee is reported to have the 11TH highest rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 population. Rutherford countys 2021 overdose fatality rate was 34/100,000 persons. IT is our intent to use this years award to develop the sheriffs harm reduction program (SHARP). SHARP will reduce substance use disorder (SUD) and overdose in persons encountering law enforcement while reducing recidivism and incarceration for drug related offenses within the jurisdiction of rutherford county, tennessee. This project is in collaboration with prevention coalition for success, rutherford county adult detention center, rutherford county correctional work center, rutherford county medical examiner, rutherford opioid board, 16TH judicial district recovery court, and rutherford county RE-entry program. All participants listed above are stakeholders in regard to rehabilitation, recidivism and RE-entry of incarcerated persons into the community. SHARP will accomplish this by embedding two certified peer support specialists (CPSS) into rutherford county adult detention center and rutherford county correctional work center. These CPSS will assist individuals with navigation of the behavioral healthcare system and recovery resources for incarcerated persons. The tennessee department of mental health and substance abuse services describes CPSS as having the ability to support others in achieving their personal recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment in self-directed recovery. SHARP will also utilize funding for transportation of SUD individuals to behavioral healthcare facilities. SHARP will fill a substantial GAP in service provision in rutherford county, by providing treatment services for incarcerated persons. Sharps aim is to detect incarcerated individuals struggling with SUD and give them the opportunity to access the services they need by identifying effective behavioral interventions andbolstering community and supervision services to curtail use. We will connect individuals to establish evidence-based treatment services for those struggling with SUD. Through SHARP, this vulnerable population will receive greater access to treatment and recovery services, which will reduce the impact and misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other substances, and reduce overdose fatalities in rutherford county. The project will leverage the strides rutherford county has made in recognizing and addressing SUD in every population and address our shortcomings in intercepting and addressing SUD problems within our correction facilities.