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Commission approves short‑term Department of Health post‑overdose support contract tied to community paramedic program
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a state Department of Health contract to fund post‑overdose support tied to Sunrise’s community paramedic program; staff said the award runs through the department’s fiscal year and could support additional personnel or equipment.
The Sunrise City Commission voted unanimously May 13 to approve a state Department of Health standard contract that will fund post‑overdose support services linked to the city’s community paramedic program.
Fire Chief John McNamara told commissioners the funding, provided through the Broward County Department of Health, is a short‑term award that runs through the state fiscal year (to August 2025) and is contingent on annual renewals. “It is separate from any other opioid settlement money,” McNamara said, and the county oversees distribution to participating fire agencies.
Why it matters: The contract supplements Sunrise’s existing community paramedic work by funding follow‑up services for residents after opioid overdoses and can be used for outreach and equipment. McNamara said the program will help connect discharged patients with services and circulate Narcan‑equipped AEDs in targeted areas.
What passed: The resolution authorizes the city to enter the Department of Health contract and accept funding for post‑overdose support activities. Chief McNamara said the city will evaluate whether to use funding to offset current community paramedic staff time or to add personnel; he said decisions will follow evaluation of the award and community needs. The chief also described geospatial targeting tools that allow staff to identify affected neighborhoods beyond 911 call data.
Vote: Motion by Commissioner Joseph Scudo, second by Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Guzman. Vote: 4–0 in favor.
Next steps: The fire department will accept the contract and begin implementing the funded activities. Staff said the city will review funding levels through August 2025 and decide whether to expand personnel or program elements in subsequent budget cycles.
