Nashville's police officers have taken on a new role — guardians against a deadly tide of overdose sweeping the city's streets. Responding to a surge of drug overdoses that recently struck the downtown core, specialized detectives handed out Narcan kits to homeless individuals at risk, according to a statement from the Metro Nashville Police Department.

The wave of unfortunate events began on Sunday and continued into Monday morning, with eight people overdosing from a suspect white rock material, deceitfully sold as crack cocaine but laced with fentanyl, in a single downtown incident — two did not survive. The six others, revived using Narcan, mark the disturbing trend, which has also seen incidents in other city parts, notably around Harding Place near I-24 and the Murfreesboro Pike corridor.

With the homeless bearing the brunt of this scourge, the Neighborhood Safety Unit's patrol officers and detectives are working tirelessly to mitigate this crisis, issuing warnings and advocating for Narcan's widespread carry among vulnerable populations.

But hope comes in more than just immediate revival kits. The Community Overdose Response Team (CORT), a pillar for those grappling with addiction, offers free and confidential assistance to find drug and alcohol treatment. According to their statement, regardless of health insurance status, CORT steps in to assess the necessary level of care — be it detox, residential, or outpatient treatment. Those in need, or their loved ones, are encouraged to reach out to CORT at 615-687-1701 for a lifeline that may not only save a life but steer it towards recovery.