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Okaloosa County post‑overdose support team reports treatment enrollments after one year
Summary
County’s post‑overdose team reported 202 outreach visits resulting in 114 client contacts and 43% of contacted individuals enrolling in treatment programs; commissioners praised the multi‑agency effort.
Okaloosa County’s post‑overdose support team (POST) reported early outcomes from a pilot launched in 2024, saying outreach after overdose reversals has led to dozens of treatment enrollments and a measurable reduction in overdose deaths.
Chief Beige (Okaloosa County) described the program’s design: within 24–72 hours after an opioid reversal (typically Narcan) EMS, fire or law enforcement records, a three‑person team — a police officer or deputy, a community paramedic and a Bridgeway clinician — attempts a home visit to offer treatment options. “We may have saved your life with the reversal drug. Now we want to save your future,” Chief Beige told the commission.
Beth, a POST program lead, presented program numbers: there were 190 known overdoses reported through EMS and 202 POST visits (the team makes follow‑ups as needed). The team made 114 client contacts; 43% of clients successfully contacted enrolled in treatment. Breakdown: 27 enrolled in behavioral health programs, 9 selected faith‑based programs, and 13 began medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) in the jail. Beth said family members also enrolled via POST outreach; in total 49 people had received direct treatment help through program contacts.
Commissioners praised the cross‑agency collaboration, citing the opioid settlement funds used for start‑up and partnership with the sheriff’s office, health department, Bridgeway and other nonprofits. Commissioner Palmer called POST “saving futures” and encouraged continued interagency support. Chairman Maynard noted the program’s rapid setup and encouraged continued tracking of outcomes to inform future funding decisions.
Ending: Staff asked the public to note International Overdose Awareness Day events and said they would return with ongoing outcome data for commission review.
