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Durham accepts $369,949 SAMHSA grant to expand EMS opioid‑response work amid public concern about encampments
Summary
The board approved a budget amendment recognizing $369,949 in SAMHSA funding to support EMS opioid-response programming, including naloxone distribution and community paramedic services; a resident raised concerns about homelessness and fires and EMS staff described coordination with the city's HEART program and distribution of over 3,000 naloxone kits.
Durham County commissioners approved a budget amendment Dec. 8 to recognize $369,949 in federal SAMHSA funding for EMS opioid‑response programming, part of a multi‑year grant that staff said will sustain naloxone distribution, community paramedic services and linkage to treatment.
Public commenter Victoria Peterson described visible homelessness and outdoor fires near Fayetteville Street and asked whether the grant would be coordinated with the city’s HEART program and local mental‑health services. Helen Ladd, who the county identified as the director overseeing related EMS programs, responded that the funds support the 1st Responders Comprehensive Addiction Recovery (CRARA) program and harm‑reduction work, including field initiation of treatment and naloxone distribution. Ladd said, "we have been able to get over 3,000 naloxone kits into the community." She also said EMS and HEART coordinate referrals between substance‑use and mental‑health teams.
Commissioners approved the budget amendment unanimously and thanked staff for program work and community coordination.
