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Durham County EMS honored for Bridge to MAT program; 26 patients inducted since May 2023
Summary
Durham County’s Office of Emergency Services received a Community Impact Award from CPI Security and WRAL for its Bridge to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) program. County officials said the program began in May 2023 and has inducted 26 patients; CPI donated $1,000 to the Vic Pearson Memorial Fund.
The Durham County Office of Emergency Services (OES) was recognized June 24 with a Community Impact Award from CPI Security and WRAL for its Bridge to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) program, county officials said.
Assistant County Manager Dwane Brinson told the board the award honored the Emergency Medical Services’ Community Paramedics Program for work on the Bridge to MAT initiative, which officials said has helped reduce opioid overdoses and supported people struggling with addiction.
"The Bridge to MAT Program started in May 2023 and 26 patients were inducted into the program," said Captain Helen Tripp, Program Manager. CPI contributed $1,000 to the Vic Pearson Memorial Fund, Mark Lockhart, OES director, told the board.
Lisa Smith, a community paramedic, said the program’s work goes beyond keeping people alive. "The Community Paramedics not only helped keep citizens alive, but they also helped citizens thrive," she said.
The board thanked OES staff and the named paramedics for their service and recognized the Vic Pearson Memorial Fund, which — according to remarks at the meeting — provides annual recognition and financial support to EMS employees who show exceptional compassion or face hardship.
No formal action or vote was taken on the award at the June 24 meeting because the board lacked a quorum; recognizing the program was part of the meeting’s ceremonial item list.
