About ORCO


The Overdose Response Coordination Office (ORCO) was established in 2018 as TDH’s division for overdose prevention and response.  The office provides structure and support to the Department’s efforts, oversees grant-funded activities and cultivates and expands partnerships to strengthen the state’s public health response to the overdose crisis. 


Our Mission:

ORCO’s Mission is to guide statewide overdose response efforts through improved coordination, collaboration, analysis and advocacy to reduce the impact of the overdose epidemic in Tennessee. 

Our Vision:

ORCO’s Vision is to reduce substance misuse and achieve improved health and well-being across Tennessee.


Continuum of Care:

The multifactorial nature of SUD adds many layers of complexity to the approaches to preventing drug overdoses. To be effective at addressing SUD, ORCO utilizes a multi-tier strategy with public health actions at every step in the continuum of care. Image title: ORCO’s approach across the continuum of care to prevent SUD and drug overdoses.

ORCOCoC

ORCO Staff Contacts:

  Kristen Zak

  kristen.zak@tn.gov

  Director

  Jessica Jones

  jessica.jones2@tn.gov

  HIA Program Director

  Shannon De Pont

  shannon.depont@tn.gov

  HIA Program Coordinator

  Kristina (Kris) Dixon

  kristina.d.dixon@tn.gov

  Grants Manager

  Pooja Subedi

  pooja.subedi@tn.gov

  Epidemiologist