Opioid abuse across the country is at epidemic proportions, and the abuse is at its worst in poor rural communities. Of all 50 states in the US, Tennessee ranks third in opioid abuse. Opioid use has ravaged the rural Appalachian region of East Tennessee, both with its prevalence and with its destruction of families.

The Union County Health Council meets the third Thursday of each month at noon at Cherokee Health Systems, and meetings are open to the public. Last year the Health Council worked with the Health Department to complete a health assessment to determine the needs in our county.