Farmington accepts $13,100 opioid‑abatement grant for Fire Department training and outreach

The Farmington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously June 29 to accept and expend a $13,100 grant from Granite United Way, drawn from state opioid‑abatement funds, to support the town Fire Department.

Town Administrator Jason Henry told the board the award will purchase training mannequins, bag‑valve devices, naloxone training kits, personal protective equipment, automated external defibrillators, subscriptions for online training, scenario‑based training materials and printing, community naloxone kits, wound‑care kits and outreach materials. "The total project is $13,100," Henry said.

HR/Welfare Director Erica Dickie‑Yelle said Welfare will partner with the Fire Department on education and resource distribution for residents who may need assistance. "I’ve offered to partner with them on any education meetings — recognizing signs of overdose and providing resources," she said.

During public comment Felicia McCowan voiced support for linking the initiative to mental‑health resources and volunteering for outreach efforts. Board members described the United Way funding as an expedited distribution of opioid‑abatement dollars compared with larger state grants that go through multiple approvals.

The board opened a public hearing at 6:06 p.m., left it open for public comment, then voted to accept and expend the funds under RSA 31:95‑b. The motion to accept and expend the $13,100 passed 5‑0.

The board directed staff to coordinate procurement and to work with Welfare on community education and distribution plans. The acceptance triggers use of funds outside the town’s operating budget, as noted by Town Counsel provisions for unexpected appropriations under RSA 31:95‑b.