Tennessee to get $800,000 to treat addicts

March 11, 2016 at 10:59 p.m. | Updated March 11, 2016 at 10:59 p.m.

by Associated Press

Drug overdose deaths rose for the 11th straight year, federal data show, and most of them were accidents involving addictive painkillers despite growing attention to risks from these medicines. As in previous recent years, opioid drugs - which include OxyContin and Vicodin - were the biggest problem, contributing to 3 out of 4 medication overdose deaths.
Drug overdose deaths rose for the 11th straight year, federal data show, and most of them were accidents involving addictive painkillers despite growing attention to risks from these medicines. As in previous recent years, opioid drugs - which include OxyContin and Vicodin - were the biggest problem, contributing to 3 out of 4 medication overdose deaths.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The federal government is giving more than $800,000 to three health centers in Tennessee to combat the state's growing and deadly opioid epidemic.

The money is part of a $94 million package announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat the scourge of drug abuse across the country. Federal officials say the money will help more people access drug treatment and it will save lives.

The nation is currently in the grip of a prescription drug and heroin epidemic that has destroyed the lives of many Tennesseans.

State Health Department officials say more people die from drug overdoses than are killed in car wrecks.

The $800,000 will be divided among clinics in Knoxville, Nashville and Jellico.

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