In a move to bolster emergency response and patient care, the Rowan County Health Department recently secured a federal grant aimed to enhance the training of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in dealing with substance use and mental health crises. In a statement obtained by Rowan County's official website, the department announced that the grant, amounting to $106,447, will provide much-needed funds for the HOPE Program's new training projects.
Rowan County, home to 149,654 souls spread over a vast 512 square miles, has found itself grappling with a public health concern that cuts deeply across the fabric of its communities. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), instrumental in securing the grant, expressed that "Investing in specialized substance use and mental health training for our first responders will significantly improve outcomes and save lives." Tillis, as cited on the county's website, advocated vigorously for the funding to ensure that those needing assistance receive timely and quality care.
The grant will help train EMS students and responders to better handle situations involving mental health or substance use. It also provides funding for important resources like buprenorphine, Basic Ventilation Masks (BVM), and Narcan, which are essential for reversing opioid overdoses. These tools are vital for responding to emergencies and helping victims find recovery and treatment options.
Addressing the urgency of the situation, Public Health Director Alyssa Harris told Rowan County's official website, "Rowan County ranks fourth highest in North Carolina for the rate of Fentanyl-Positive Overdoes and the rate of overdose deaths here is well over the state average. We absolutely must do better." With these grant-driven enhancements, EMS crews aim to provide not just immediate aid but to also potentially steer affected individuals toward longer-term health solutions.
Community leaders like County Commissioner Judy Klusman emphasized the importance of this grant in reducing the number of negative outcomes associated with substance use and mental health emergencies. As she stated, this specialized training is crucial for the front-line EMS personnel who are often the first point of contact in such crises.
