Hope and Action: Recognizing Overdose Prevention Day in FC

On August 29, the Franklin County Prevention Coalition hosted a community event at the Franklin County Annex Building in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31. Held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the gathering aimed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and honor those affected by substance use and overdose.  Attendees heard powerful testimonies from individuals in active recovery, a guest panel fielded questions, Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess read an official proclamation, and education, support, and resources were offered to those seeking help or hoping to better understand the impact of addiction and overdose throughout the community.   

              Starting off the agenda with the welcome and introductions was Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, Dustin Ritchie. 

              “Today we gather here for International Overdose Awareness Day to remember lives lost and support those who are grieving, and work together to prevent future tragedies.”, stated Ritchie.  “Whether you’re a family member, friend, health and service provider, community partner, or volunteer, your presence here matters.  It shows compassion, solidarity, and a commitment to change.”

              Ritchie stated that the day was about more than just remembrance, and stressed the importance of breaking the stigma, listening to living experiences, sharing information about harm reduction and treatment, and connecting people with the support that they need.  The day offered a safe and supportive environment to ask questions and learn about resources available. 

              Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess took to the podium to read and sign the proclamation and discuss the project scope and key deliverables. 

              “Thank you all for being here.”, began the mayor.  “Attendance reflects interest and that’s always critical to the cause.  The other thing I would say is stay consistent.  A lot of people get excited when we get a cause or a project, and then as time goes on and the grind begins to start, some of the enthusiasm starts to wane.  You have to rededicate yourself just about every day.  We’re going to do the best we can possibly do every day.”

              Mayor Guess then read the proclamation, declaring August 31^st as Overdose Awareness Day in Tennessee.

Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess makes his remarks before reading a proclamation declaring August 31st as National Overdose Prevention Day in Tennessee.

              Following Mayor Guess’s proclamation, the event shifted to powerful stories of resilience and transformation. Stephen Mason of the Mosaic Recovery Center and Allen Vickers of Chase Away Fentanyl shared deeply personal accounts of their battles with addiction, offering raw insight into the challenges they’ve faced and overcome. Their testimonies not only highlighted the realities of substance use but also underscored the importance of advocacy and community support. Both men have since turned their experiences into action by working to educate others, support those in recovery, and drive meaningful change in Franklin County and beyond.

              Stephen Mason shared a deeply personal account of his struggle with addiction and involvement in drug distribution, recounting a pivotal moment that changed the course of his life. After learning that someone who had just left his home had died, Mason made a solemn commitment—not only to pursue his own recovery, but to help others find a path to healing as well. That tragic loss became the catalyst for co-founding Mosaic Recovery Center, a Christ-centered residential program for men located in Pelham, Tennessee.  

              “When we come together in places like this, even if it’s just one person we save, that’s enough.”, stated Mason.  “I just want you to know that what you’re doing matters.  Together we can make it happen.  Somebody’s little girl, somebody’s little boy, somebody’s parent is counting on you to lend your talent, your time, your energy, and what God has given you to help fight this thing called overdose.”

            After losing his son Chase to addiction in early 2024, Allen Vickers channeled his grief into purpose, finding strength in advocacy and action. Determined to combat the growing fentanyl crisis, he founded Chase Away Fentanyl—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving middle and southern Tennessee, as well as parts of Alabama. Since its inception, Vickers has worked tirelessly to promote harm reduction strategies, with a bold mission to place Narcan in every household across the United States. Through education and outreach, he aims to equip individuals with the knowledge of when and why to use the life-saving medication, turning personal tragedy into a statewide movement for awareness, prevention, and hope.

              After countless hours of studying and reaching out to different resources, Vickers began his program by buying Narcan with money from his own pocket, and from February 14, 2024 to December 2024, the program had given away almost 5,000 doses of overdose reversal medicine.  Since the beginning of 2025, the program has already given away over 6,000 doses, and eight lives saved is what has been reported.

Chase Away Fentanyl Founder and CEO Allen Vickers tells the story of how fentanyl overdose has affected his family, and the steps he has taken to help prevent further overdoses throughout middle Tennessee and parts of Alabama.

              A question and answer and open panel discussion was offered next with moderator Joe Abraham from ESPN Radio asking a series of questions to panelists Stephen Mason from Mosaic Recovery Center, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Dustin Ritchie, Allen Burnette with Recovery is the New High, Founder and CEO of Chase Away Fentanyl Allen Vickers, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Officer Kyle King. 

              The panel portion featured multiple questions regarding issues such as the drug courts focus on accountability and rehabilitation for those who are battling substance addiction, the overall rate and average of overdoses in the state of Tennessee, the most effective strategies that are being used to prevent overdoses in high-risk communities, how law enforcement is working collaboratively with health and social services, what innovative treatments are being developed and utilized, and what programs the drug courts have implemented to improve outcomes for their participants. 

              Each question was directed to a panelist whose expertise aligned with the topic, ensuring that responses were both informed and impactful. Panelists answered with clarity and compassion, offering educational insights that reflected their professional experience and personal commitment to the cause. The thoughtful exchange fostered a deeper understanding among attendees, creating a space where learning, empathy, and community support could thrive.

Panelists take part in a question and answer forum during the Overdose Prevention Day event that was held at the Franklin County Annex Building late last month.

              As Franklin County continues to confront challenges and embrace opportunities, local leaders and community advocates remain committed to progress. From heartfelt efforts in addiction recovery to overdose prevention, the city is experiencing a period of meaningful growth and civic engagement. The Overdose Prevention Day event and related events reflect a shared vision that is rooted in resilience, collaboration and a determination to build a stronger, healthier future for Franklin County and beyond.