The Hope United program provides peer navigators embedded in the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Emergency Department who provide engagement by speaking one on one with hospital patients who present with an overdose and/or substance use disorder. Navigators provide relatability along with hope for a different, improved way of life and interact with patients using motivational interviewing to encourage movement along the stages of change. They provide resource information to patients, families and staff about available substance use treatment and assist in securing treatment if the patient desires and it is available. 

“It has been an honor to lead our peers at Hope United, one of our programs at UT Hospital. When a patient comes in struggling with Substance Use Disorder, they often feel alone and are void of hope. It is amazing to watch the change in patients when we are able to share we struggle with the same disease. It helps them to realize that they too can turn their lives around. We walk with them through the beginning of their recovery journey and the transformation in such a short amount of time is a reward to experience like no other.”

Rachel Loveday, LMSW, LADAC II, CPRS

Hope United Team Leader

Employee since 2017