In one county in Tennessee, there has been a notable drop in the number of overdoses, with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office attributing the decrease to community partnerships, including church programs.

As WBIR reports, the local sheriff’s office responded to 87 overdoses in 2022 and 86 in 2023.  Overdoses in the small county of over 37,000 people followed state trends.

2022 marked one of the worst years for Tennesseans regarding the number of drug overdoses and deaths. According to state data, 3,826 Tennesseans died of a drug overdose in 2022, fueled by an uptick in opioids and fentanyl.

With community partnerships and help from local church congregations, Cocke County saw their numbers decrease by more than half. In 2024, the number of overdoses fell to 28 in 2024 and currently sits at 16 so far in 2025. It’s important to note that the Sheriff’s Office’s numbers do not account for overdoses at other agencies, including EMS and fire.

Church programs, like Celebrate Recovery, hosted by Newport First United Methodist Church, are helping people countywide heal from substance misuse.

Rev. Marta Cogburn, who leads the ministry, says she mixes education and faith to educate program participants on how addiction alters the brain chemistry.

"We are intentional to teach about the addictive nature and what that does to the brain, and so we have seen a shift in that," Cogburn told WBIR.

Celebrate Recovery is derived from a 12-step model for people who struggle with “habits and hang-ups,” a statement on the program website reads. The program also includes a group for youth.

“The Landing is the student ministry for Celebrate Recovery,” said Andy Petry, The Landing National Director. “The whole reason why we exist is to provide a safe place for all students to come and process life, to find the healing, hope, and purpose of Jesus Christ, and to gain some valuable tools that will help them live healthier and freer lives.