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Durham County seeks approvals for jail health boost, EMS MAT funds and naloxone purchases
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Summary
The March 9 agenda requested multiple public‑health and safety budget actions: a $576,219 increase to the Wellpath jail/youth medical contract, $50,396 in year‑four EMS Bridge MAT grant funding, an additional $30,000 for naloxone purchases from opioid settlement funds, and a $60,000 Early Childhood Action Plan contract for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina.
Durham County staff presented a package of public‑health and public‑safety funding requests on the consent agenda, asking the Board to approve several budget ordinance amendments and contracts.
Health and jail services: Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC060 would appropriate $576,219 in general fund balance to increase the county’s contract with Wellpath to provide comprehensive medical services for inmates at the Durham County Detention Center and residents of the Durham County Youth Home. The requested increase covers several contract lines through June 30, 2026 (offsite medical fees $75,000; average daily population $10,000; medications $300,000; MAT Phase II $191,219). The Board of Health approved the recommendation; Dr. Rodney Jenkins, Public Health Director, is listed as resource person.
EMS MAT grant: Staff requested approval to recognize $50,396 in year‑four grant funding from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (NCDHHS MHDDSUS) for the EMS Bridge Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. The program funds field‑induced buprenorphine initiation by specially trained paramedics after opioid overdoses and a warm handoff to treatment providers; resource persons listed include Helen Tripp, EMS MIH Program Manager, and Mark Lockhart, Director of Office of Emergency Services.
Naloxone purchases and harm reduction: Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26OPA004 would allocate an additional $30,000 from the North Carolina Opioid Settlement Fund to purchase naloxone to stock county naloxone vending machines and distribution channels. The Board of Health approved this amendment; Rodney Jenkins is listed as resource person.
Early childhood supports: Staff requested approval of a $60,000 contract from Early Childhood Action Plan funds with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina to purchase diapers and essential supplies for distribution through community partners, supporting an estimated 100,000 diapers and reaching roughly 2,000 babies in Durham County.
All items were presented with County Manager recommendations; the agenda lists the requested approvals but does not record final votes.