NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, has been recognized for her legislative work to improve public health and expand resources for people struggling with addiction.
Helton-Haynes received the Voice of Recovery award from the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS) for her support of the Volunteer State’s Good Samaritan law and her continued efforts to regulate kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Voice of Recovery award and I’m grateful to the TAADAS for their work addressing addiction in Tennessee,” said Helton-Haynes. “Ensuring people struggling with substance abuse have the support and treatment they need is essential for promoting public health and well-being. I look forward to continuing our efforts in the General Assembly to boost access to vital resources and improve quality of care in the Volunteer State.”
Helton-Haynes, who serves as chair of the House Insurance Subcommittee, passed a resolution in April supporting the strictest regulation or prohibition of kratom in Tennessee. Commonly referred to as gas station heroin, kratom products are widely sold across the United States as mood boosters, anxiety aids and pain relievers. Products can also contain 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a byproduct of kratom that can be 13 times more potent than morphine.
Lawmakers approved a new law this session, sponsored in the House by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, and co-sponsored by Helton-Haynes, to expand Tennessee’s Good Samaritan law to include alcohol-related overdoses in addition to drug overdoses. This will encourage underage individuals to seek help in alcohol overdose situations without fear of legal consequences.
Overdose deaths in Tennessee decreased by 34.1% between February 2024 and February 2025, according to the Tennessee State Data Center, representing the 9th most significant decrease in the nation. Tennessee Republicans invested $1.5 billion in new spending for health and social services in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
The TAADAS is a statewide association of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, prevention and recovery service professionals and advocates.
The 114th General Assembly will reconvene in January.
State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes of East Ridge represents District 30 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Hamilton County. She is chair of the Insurance Subcommittee and also serves on the Health Committee, Insurance Committee and Population Health Subcommittee.