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Pitt County creates EMS logistics position after ECU Health signals end to ambulance restocking
Summary
Pitt County approved a new EMS logistics coordinator position and $235,921 in startup funds after ECU Health informed the county it will stop restocking medications for non‑ECU ambulance services; the board approved the request unanimously.
Pitt County commissioners unanimously approved creation of an EMS Logistics Coordinator position and a $235,921 budget amendment on March 2 to pay for salary, vehicle, startup and initial operating costs.
Emergency Management Director Randy Gentry told the board Greenville-area EMS units rely on stocked medications and that, effective April 1, 2026, ECU Health will stop providing restocking services to non‑ECU Health ambulance providers. Meeting materials included an email from an ECU Health pharmacy official alerting county EMS that the hospital would discontinue restocking and that it would provide a three-month emergency supply to help with transition.
The proposed position will manage medication and controlled‑substance inventories, procurement, storage and distribution across the county EMS system, and ensure compliance with DEA, state and federal rules, according to the job description included in the agenda packet. The funding request of $235,921 was expected to cover salary, a vehicle and three to four months of operating costs, paid from the restricted EMS fund balance.
Commissioners asked whether any portion of the request could be recouped through EMS billing. Mr. Gentry said the county bills for services provided but does not directly bill patients for medication costs; Gallagher said medication costs are partially built into service rates and recent fee adjustments were made to align with Medicaid/Medicare rates. The board approved the position and budget amendment as submitted.
The county will proceed with recruitment and implementation steps outlined in the job description and will coordinate required agreements with Greenville Fire/Rescue for medication logistics, the presentation noted.
