Health Department

According to estimates from the CDC, there were 1.2 million people in the U.S living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV at the end of 2022. The only way to know one's HIV status is to get tested.

As an employer, you have an opportunity to reduce the stigma of HIV testing, increase access to testing and protect the health of your employees. Our Harm Reduction team can provide free rapid HIV testing at your place of business or event. Please complete this form to request HIV testing.

Substance misuse is a serious health issue that impacts us all, including businesses and other community organizations. According to the U.S. Department of labor, 70 percent of illicit drug users are currently employed.

Offering drug education and implementing recovery support in the workplace can reduce turnover, improve productivity and preserve the lives of your employees or organization members. We offer substance misuse training and professional development tailored to the needs of both your service area and your organization. Trainings can take place at your place of business or be hosted at KCHD. Depending on the topic and number of participants, workshops can take 60 to 90 minutes.

Workshop topics are listed below.

• Anti-Stigma Education
• HIV/Hep C Education and Prevention
• Harm Reduction: How to Better Support People Who Use Drugs
• How to Become a Recovery-Ready Workplace
• Naloxone and Overdose Prevention and Education
• Community Resource Navigation: Connecting People to Treatment and Recovery

Please complete this form to request your next training session.

There are medication drop-off collection sites throughout Knox County, and they are the best options for the safe disposal of controlled substances that pose a risk of abuse. If finding unwanted medication is a consistent concern for your workplace, please complete the above training request form, and we would be happy to come speak to your team.

The City of Knoxville maintains a collection box that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at their main police station. You can safely dispose of any found, unwanted or unused medications at this location:

Knoxville Police Department
1650 Huron St.
Knoxville, TN 37917

Events are also held periodically to collect medications from the community. For more information, visit the websites listed below.

• FDA approved drop-off locations
• DEA disposal locations and events
• TN unwanted medicine disposal

Some businesses may encounter improperly disposed of sharps (needles, syringes, etc.) in the workplace. It is important to follow universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen training to safely dispose of these items.

If this is a consistent concern for your workplace, please complete the training request form above, and we would be happy to come and speak to your team. Otherwise, the steps below will walk you through proper disposal.

1. Wear puncture-proof gloves or use a claw grabber. If unavailable, take caution and pick up the syringe from the middle and away from the needle.
2. Dispose of materials in a puncture-proof, hard shell container, like a milk carton or detergent bottle.
3. No special disposal procedures are needed. The items can be placed in the trash.
4. If environmental cleaning is needed, gently flush the area with diluted bleach. You can either pour the solution onto the area or use a low-pressure spray. To avoid backsplash onto the eyes, please wear safety glasses/goggles.

If a needle stick injury occurs in the workplace, please follow on-site protocols. Call KCHD at 865-215-5000 for consult if needed.

If you would like to know more about how to make your organization a Recovery-Ready Workplace or want to explore similar resources, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Recovery-Ready Workplace Resource Hub.