Committee approves $268,000‑plus opioid‑abatement package to fund Hawkins County EMS response program

The Hawkins County Budget Advisory Committee voted to allocate state opioid abatement funds to an opioid response program administered through Hawkins County Emergency Medical Services.

Commissioner John Gibson, sponsor of the resolution, moved to direct the 2023 state opioid abatement allocation to an opioid response program run by Hawkins County EMS. Commissioner Robbie Palmer seconded the motion. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, 7–0.

Discussion focused on program design and the county—s limited ability to use opioid abatement money for general operating costs. Several commissioners expressed concern that the proposal included purchases of vehicles or equipment that could create future replacement costs for the county. One commissioner noted the EMS organization was operating on narrow margins and asked whether investing in the new program might be better directed to general operational support; the sponsor and staff said the abatement funds are restricted to certain opioid‑related interventions and could not be used as unrestricted operating relief.

Hawkins County Emergency Medical Services Director Jason Merle (identified in the meeting as "Director Merle") told the committee the program could reduce opioid‑related emergencies and therefore lower EMS call volume over time: "Yes. It could," he said when asked whether the program might reduce operating costs by reducing call volume.

Committee members also discussed the program—s Narcan distribution plan. After concerns about placing freestanding Narcan boxes, the proposal was revised to remove those boxes and instead allocate Narcan through two monthly outreach events, mobile distribution (a customized trailer used at community events), two Narcan kits per designated business/agency and training for county agencies and offices.

The sponsor said the program is structured as an initial investment with much of the cost front‑loaded; the county manager—s office and program staff said portions of the funding could be staggered over multiple years and that [grant] applications were being pursued to reduce ongoing costs.

Committee members also asked about ownership and disposition of program equipment if a partner organization ceased operations in the future. Staff said it might be possible to sell equipment and return proceeds to the relevant fund, but cautioned that legal and grant conditions could restrict some uses and that specifics would be clarified before purchases.

The committee approved the measure and asked staff to finalize the program language and provide follow‑up details on equipment ownership, lifespan assumptions and any grant matches or reporting requirements prior to allocating funds.