Hamilton County officials on Oct. 29, 2025, introduced an Overdose Prevention Team the county plans to formally launch Nov. 3, describing it as a multi‑agency effort funded with state‑directed opioid‑abatement money and organized around in‑field follow‑up by EMS personnel.

The mayor said the program represents the county’s largest commitment of opioid‑abatement funds and called the effort “a great experiment” that he expects will change lives. The mayor added, “I believe lives will be saved,” and said the program has required medical protocols approved by the state EMS board.

County staff described the initiative as a partnership between Hamilton County EMS and the Hamilton County Health Department. The mayor named two health‑department navigators (Stephanie Reed and Katrina Hereford), a team supervisor (Jay Jones), three certified peer recovery specialists (Tiffany Stanley, Heather Simmons and Andy Miller) and three paramedics who will staff the team (Linda Kilgore, Larry Gess and Alex Carroll). The mayor credited county administrators and medical staff, and thanked EMS leadership for developing the protocols and operational details.

The mayor said the program had been under development for several years and required state‑level approvals before an operational launch. He said the team will operate out of two county vehicles and begin responding to overdoses and providing follow‑up care and navigation starting Nov. 3. The commission offered public thanks and recognition to the staff and volunteers involved.

No formal vote or budget amendment was recorded at the Oct. 29 meeting; the presentation served to introduce the team to commissioners and the public.

Speakers thanked EMS personnel and the health‑department partners and asked the community to support the initiative as it begins operations.