Dougherty County Considers Initiatives to Strengthen Opioid Response

The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners is considering key initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s response to the opioid crisis while expanding recovery and reentry support services for residents.

In partnership with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County EMS and Aspire Behavioral Health, the proposed initiatives include:

• Equipping county vehicles and facilities with integrated opioid response kits that include Narcan and ZOLL AEDs to improve emergency response capabilities

• Adding a certified addictions counselor and a case manager/forensic peer specialist within the Dougherty County Jail to provide treatment, case management and reentry support services.

The proposed equipment investment totals $210,696 and would provide 58 deployable opioid response kits for emergency response vehicles, along with placements in 26 county buildings. The equipment is designed to provide a coordinated emergency response solution and is compatible with current EMS equipment.

Additionally, Aspire Behavioral Health would expand jail-based and community outreach services through a $130,187 program funded through opioid settlement dollars. The program would provide assessments, treatment and recovery support for incarcerated individuals and continue assistance for up to 90 days after release by connecting residents with housing, treatment and community resources.

These initiatives reflect Dougherty County’s continued commitment to public safety, prevention, treatment and recovery through strategic use of Opioid Settlement Funds.

The proposals will be presented to the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners for a vote at the next meeting.