The number of overdose deaths in Greene County appears to have reached a “status quo” despite efforts from county officials to fight the drug epidemic.
The number of fatal drug overdoses increased in Greene County last year as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic prevented some people from attending in-person counseling options and programs.
Greene County coroner Gene Rush has announced that he is seeking a second term.
Rush, a Rogersville resident and retired funeral director, is seeking the Republican Party nomination. Rush became Greeneâs first new coroner in more than 20 years when he defeated Democratic incumbent Gregory Rohanna in 2017 by just four votes out of 7,000 votes cast.
Since becoming coroner, Rush said he has been focused on streamlining practices and updating its methods. Work that had previously been done manually is now being done digitally, according to Rush, which he says has lowered costs and made the office more speedy and efficient.