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Board approves opioid‑abatement expenditures including certified narcotics canine, testing and a mobile prevention trailer
Summary
Amherst County approved allocation of opioid abatement funds for a certified narcotics detection canine, two drone systems for law enforcement, rapid hair‑testing equipment for DSS, online evidence‑based programming for Court Services and a mobile prevention trailer (Right Before Your Eyes) to be used for school and community education.
Leslie Sprouse, Amherst County grant administrator and chair of the county opioid abatement committee, requested board approval to spend direct opioid abatement funds on a package of prevention, enforcement and treatment supports.
Sprouse explained the funds come from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (VOAA) and described three distribution paths: direct noncompetitive distributions to the county as settlements are finalized, competitive individual distributions, and a “gold standard” bonus for localities that meet statutory requirements (citing Virginia Code 2.2‑2370 as the relevant statute number presented). She said Amherst’s direct distribution balance was $220,907.66 at the time of presentation.
The committee presented approved and proposed uses including Drax, a certified two‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old detection canine placed with the sheriff’s office in June 2024; two drone systems (a small tactical indoor unit and a Skydio X10 aerial unit with thermal imaging) to support investigations and search operations; a plan to introduce rapid follicle (hair) testing for the Department of Social Services to reduce lab turnaround for substance‑use testing; and the purchase and buildout of a roughly 24‑foot mobile prevention trailer to run an expanded Right Before Your Eyes program targeting parents, guardians and youth with interactive exhibits and education.
Sprouse provided a budget estimate for the combined package at $95,133.11; she said the county held $220,907.66 in direct distribution funds and that committee members planned to pursue competitive individual distributions and adhere to gold‑standard criteria. Extension and 4‑H staff said the trailer’s youth programming would be run by Extension agents and trained volunteers and that the trailer would be deployed at schools and community events, including the county fair, to reach parents and children. Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services staff discussed Narcan availability and said deputies and many first responders have received training and carry naloxone.
Supervisor Wade moved that the board appropriate opioid settlement funds for the proposed expenditures, including the canine purchase. The motion passed by voice vote.
