Jackson County delays decision on PanCare core network contract, accepts seed funding rollover

Jackson County commissioners on a motion tabled consideration of a proposed core network contract with PanCare and the Northwest Florida Health Network after extended discussion about how seed funds would be used.

County officials and representatives from PanCare and the Northwest Florida Health Network presented how a core network would work and what state seed funding could support. The county had been offered $200,000 for the current fiscal year with an additional $350,000 potentially available in the next fiscal year; staff said the $200,000 could be accepted now and rolled forward if the board chose to delay a final scope.

The proposals matter because they would shape local treatment access for people with substance use disorders and could fund staff or equipment. PanCare representatives said EMS would continue standard overdose response and that emergency departments would provide a warm handoff to PanCare for Medicaid-assisted treatment and related services.

Kelly Perry, representing the Northwest Florida Health Network, described the existing handoff and statewide technical assistance available to counties that choose to implement a core network. Drew Hill, identified in the meeting as a PanCare representative, said data collection is part of PanCare’s work and that the organization could provide performance information to the county.

Commissioners discussed how the seed money might be used. One commissioner expressed concern that using the funds to hire full‑time EMTs or paramedics could create recurring personnel costs the county might be unable to sustain when grant or seed funds decline. Commissioners also asked whether equipment purchases would be an allowable use; PanCare and network staff explained the Department of Children and Families has a two‑page form that counties can use to request approval for equipment or vehicles paid from that funding stream.

Staff noted a draft contract dated June 1 currently includes FTE positions. PanCare representatives said that if the board delays, the $200,000 would not be lost but could be rolled forward into the next fiscal year and that the scope of work could be revised when a new contract is executed July 1. They said the next fiscal year also includes additional state incentives tied to reductions in opioid overdoses, and that the $350,000 amount for the next fiscal year would require a split between treatment providers and the county that had not yet been finalized.

After asking that PanCare and the county continue workshops and provide additional subject‑matter experts and budget information, the board voted to lay the item on the table so staff and the presenters could continue discussions and return with more detail during upcoming budget sessions.

What’s next: County staff and PanCare agreed to continue technical meetings and to bring more detailed budget scenarios and scope options back to the board during the budget process.