8-31-19 CFD launches Safe Stations Initiative

Due to the locations throughout the city, CFD’s stations have always been safe places for people to turn to and this program is another opportunity to provide support to members of our community who are truly seeking assistance to get out of what could be a destructive lifestyle or dangerous family situation.

The initiative launches on Aug. 31.

Safe Stations provides 24-hour assistance for those seeking to be connected with treatment and recovery options. All stations within the city are participating.

It's part of the Nu-Start program, which is derived from The U.S. Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program. The program's focus is to combat the opioid epidemic by implementing a commitment to reduce the opioid abuse and misuse and the number of overdose fatalities.

The Hamilton County Coalition said residents who chose to participate can speak with a firefighter who will arrange or provide a medical assessment within the scope of their training.

If there is an immediate medical or psychiatric need, firefighters will contact Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) for further treatment or transport.

If there are no immediate concerns, the resident will be picked up by a member of the Nu-Start team and taken to a facility to get proper care.

Seth Miller, Executive Deputy Chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, says the intent to proactively help community members out of a life of addiction.

“One of the goals is to hopefully see a reduction in overdose responses,” he stated. “For those who want help, we can point them in the right direction.”

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