Some counties, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said of unrestricted funds received from state settlements in opioid-related lawsuits, drop the money into their general fund.
Because of the county’s ongoing struggle with opioids, though, that’s not he wanted to do.
What Wamp determined would be a better use of the funds was rolled out Wednesday with the official announcement of the Opioid Prevention Team (OPT), the centerpiece of a more comprehensive plan called the Renewal Project.
The OPT, through Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services, will not only respond to overdose calls as before but — with the patient’s willingness — will follow up with treatment for five to seven days before handing off the patient to a treatment and recovery partner.
“The first of its kind in Tennessee, the HCEMS Overdose Prevention Team will be the cornerstone of Hamilton County’s aggressive approach to fighting the opioid crisis,” Wamp said at Wednesday’s event.