Houston County approves MOU to fund opioid awareness and first‑responder training

Houston County commissioners on a unanimous vote approved a memorandum of understanding with Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia to provide community education, first‑responder training and opioid‑harm reduction strategies funded from the county's opioid settlement fund.

Judge Katie Lumsden, who described herself as an advisor to the new local nonprofit, told commissioners the grant will support training for law enforcement and programs tied to the county’s mental health court and day reporting center. “Incarceration alone doesn't change minds and hearts,” Lumsden said, adding that the grant will help begin a planned mental health summit and provide treatment and Crisis Intervention Team training for first responders.

The MOU was introduced by Commissioner Robinson, who moved approval, and seconded by Commissioner Byrd. The motion carried unanimously after commissioners and Judge Lumsden described existing local programs — including the mental health court and day reporting center — that will connect to the new nonprofit’s work.

Commissioners said they expect funds to be used for awareness, first‑responder training and resources for people with co‑occurring substance use and mental health conditions. No detailed budget line items were discussed at the meeting; the motion approved the MOU authorizing the county to sign and move forward with the program.

The board recorded no dissent and provided the county’s consent to the MOU. Commissioners noted the work aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month and emphasized the county’s interest in increasing treatment options alongside criminal justice responses.

Officials said further implementation steps and any program reports will follow standard county procedures.