Tennessee is taking a new step in the fight against the opioid epidemic as the Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) opens applications for its newly created Community Advocacy Panel. This initiative, announced today by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, allows Tennesseans impacted by opioid addiction, either through personal experience or loss, to help guide the council's work.

The council, led by Dr. Stephen Loyd, acknowledges the lack of lived experience among its members. Dr. Loyd is the only member who has personally battled addiction. The council hopes to gather a broader range of perspectives to improve the policies and programs it develops. Applications for the 16-member panel are open to those who have experienced addiction and recovery, as well as family members and others affected by the crisis.

"Our Council is made of amazing men and women who are active, engaged, and passionate about this work, but we only have one member who’s lived through addiction, and that’s myself.  We readily acknowledge that there are a whole host of valuable perspectives that matter to this work, and that’s what this Community Advocacy Panel is designed to incorporate," Dr. Loyd said in a statement from the Tennessee government. He explained that while the council marks each meeting with a moment of silence and a personal story to reflect on the impact of the epidemic, the new panel will offer a more structured way to engage with the community.

The Community Advocacy Panel is designed to integrate the experiences of those most affected by the opioid crisis into the policy-making process. Panel members will share their stories and provide insights that can inform the council’s work. Dr. Loyd emphasized the importance of public input, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic with care and understanding. Interested individuals can apply through April 4 on Tennessee's official website.