Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist - TN Region 5S

09/02/2026

It was an honor to speak with the congregation at The Gathering in Fayetteville on Sunday alongside our Faith-Based Initiatives Coordinator, Jolie Shipley. We had the privilege of presenting the church with their official Recovery Congregation certification—a beautiful testament to their commitment to healing, love, and support.

During our time together, I had the opportunity to share the critical work we are doing across Tennessee to reduce overdoses and save lives. We spoke about remembrance and the light of hope that guides us forward. In the face of unimaginable loss, coming together in faith and community reminds us that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk this path alone.
Let us continue to remember, to support one another, and to shine a light of hope.

08/29/2026

We are in Wayne County today continuing our week of Overdose Awareness. We come together as a community to remember those we’ve lost, support those who are struggling, and break the stigma surrounding addiction. 💜

Please join us TODAY for our Overdose Awareness Event.

📍 Where: 101 J V Mangubat Dr, Waynesboro, TN 38485, USA

🤝 What to expect: Community Resources, Narcan, Su***de Prevention, Mental Health Support, National Guard Stashed Away Trailer, Food, Face painting, free clothing.

Let’s stand together, spread hope, and save lives. Everyone is welcome.

08/27/2026

Lincoln County Schools appreciates our partnership with Dustin Ritchie and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Through this, Narcan and related training are available throughout our district, helping support a safe learning environment for all.

08/25/2026

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

What an incredible day! I had such a wonderful time presenting the TN Save A Life Opioid and Stimulant Overdose Reversal training today.

Equipping our community with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to recognize an overdose and administer life-saving reversal medication is so vital. Addiction touches so many families, and having these practical skills truly empowers everyday people to save lives and offer hope when every second counts.

A heartfelt thank you to the Bernard Community Center and Hope Church for opening your doors and partnering together to host this meaningful event. Community support like yours makes all the difference!

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked great questions, and took the step to help keep our neighbors safe. Together, we are saving lives!

07/20/2026

All my people in Hickman County and surrounding areas. Bernard Community Center is hosting a community training. Come out and learn about what you can do to help your community.

05/08/2026

Had a great time at Franklin County's TN250 Celebration yesterday. We are blessed to be living in a great nation with great people, especially right here in Tennessee.

04/30/2026

Last night, for Fentanyl Awareness Day, I presented at Wi******er First United Methodist Church for a critical conversation that every community member should hear.

The focus? Fentanyl. It’s a heavy topic, but knowledge is the best tool we have for prevention and protection. 🛡️

Here are the life-saving takeaways from our Fentanyl Basics training:

The Reality of the Trend: We discussed how Fentanyl is being found in unexpected places and why it’s changing the landscape of community safety.

What to Look For: Recognizing the signs of an overdose can be the difference between life and death.

How to Save a Life: We walked through the essential steps of emergency response, including the use of Narcan (Naloxone) to reverse an overdose in real-time.

A huge thank you to this congregation for leaning into this difficult subject with such care and commitment. Because of your willingness to learn, our community is a safer place today.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Awareness saves lives. 🕊️

******erTN

04/27/2026

This Wednesday is National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

The illegal drug supply is constantly changing and becoming more dangerous. Staying informed is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. Knowledge saves lives—take a moment this week to learn the facts about the current risks in our community. Sign up for one of my trainings at fcpctn.org/tnsavealife.