New community paramedics will respond to opioid crisis

SMITHFIELD — The county’s Emergency Services and Public Health Department are joining forces to hire more community paramedics.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing community needs, particularly in response to opioid-related emergencies,” the county said in a news release. Money for the paramedics will come from Johnston’s share of the national opioid settlement.

The new community paramedics will be part of the county’s Post Overdose Response Team, responding to emergencies and non-emergency calls. Their mission includes providing immediate medical response, connecting overdose victims with resources and delivering follow-up care.

Brad Baker is the county’s assistant EMS chief. “We are excited to introduce our newest members of our Community Paramedic Program as part of our ongoing commitment to Johnston County’s health and safety,” he said. “This initiative emphasizes our proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis by integrating emergency response with community health initiatives.”

Together, Emergency Services and the Health Department aim to reduce the number of opioid overdoses and opioid-related deaths in Johnston County. By partnering with local health care providers and social services, the community paramedics will ensure that people who overdose receive support beyond initial emergencies.

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