KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – More often than not, the Metro Drug Coalition speaks on and reports data that shows an increase in overdoses in Knox County, but that’s not the case as 2025 begins.

In 2024, there were just under 300 suspected overdose deaths in the county, according to the forensics center. That’s a big difference from the nearly 500 that were reported.

“I’m grateful I’m not a part of the statistic. I’m so grateful there are places like this to help people,” said overdose survivor Carmalita Bruschi.

At the Metro Drug Coalition, Jessica Stanley attributes this big decrease in part to their efforts of getting out to people in Knox County and offering them help.

Stanley acknowledged there are still a lot of people struggling with addiction, but added that the amount of Narcan they’ve given out is another factor that contributes to lower overdose death numbers.

“For the last few years, our increase in distribution has increased significantly. We go through thousands a month,” said Stanley.

This marks the first time that there have been less than 300 suspected overdose deaths in Knox County since 2019.

For more information on how to access Narcan for free, you can follow this link.