Commissioners fund North Country EMS opioid project but remove LifePak 35 equipment request

Skamania County commissioners on April 22 amended a previously approved opioid-abatement council recommendation for North Country EMS, approving all requested program elements except the purchase of a LifePak 35 monitor and associated train‑the‑trainer funding.

The board’s action followed discussion about the appropriateness and cost of the medical monitor for this program and whether the opioid-abatement funds should prioritize Skamania County agencies first. Commissioners said the opioid-abatement advisory council had recommended full funding, but some commissioners questioned whether the application presented sufficient local data (for example, counts of opioid-related calls and the intended target population for outreach) to justify the monitor purchase.

One commissioner suggested that, if the county approves non-equipment elements, the opioid-abatement council should be nudged to consider funding county-based agencies first and use remaining funds for subcontracted seasonal providers. The board amended the rescission motion on the floor to instead approve the request with the LifePak 35 and train‑the‑trainer removed, and that amended motion passed by voice vote. The county prosecutor/staff noted the board could fund part of the request and then work with North Country EMS on an interlocal or contract for the approved funds.

The final board action funds the program elements except the high-cost monitor and associated training; the record shows the board will return to contractual details with the applicant to finalize use of approved funds.