PCSO rakes in more than $365k in opioid settlement dollars to Pulaski County
by Rowdy Baribeau | Link to original article by KATV | Thu, July 4th 2024 at 7:42 AM | Updated Thu, July 4th 2024 at 8:54 AM
PULASKI COUNTY (KATV) — The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office has been instrumental in combatting opioid abuse, and the settlement they just received is proof.
PCSO has been awarded $369,823.97 in opioid settlement dollars from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP). The funding marks a significant step forward in the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to combat opioid misuse and improve community safety all across Pulaski County and surrounding municipalities.
The settlement dollars will be used to fund and establish an Overdose Response Team (ORT). The team will be dedicated to responding to overdose calls and providing critical support and education within Central Arkansas communities.
Over the next two years, the ORT will consist of an Investigator (deputy) and a Peer Support Specialist who will coordinate efforts in the following municipalities: Sherwood, Alexander, Wrightsville, Cammack Village, Jacksonville and Maumelle.
Sheriff Eric Higgins said his agency is committed to combatting the opioid crisis.
“Our agency is committed to addressing the opioid crisis head-on,” Higgins said. “The opioid settlement dollars will enhance our response capabilities and provide essential services to those affected by opioid use disorder.”
The ORT’s responsibilities will consist of immediate responses to overdose calls received through 911. They will also partake in community education on opioid use disorder and training in the administration of Naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to treat opioid overdoses.
Higgins said he is grateful for the ARORP’s assistance.
“We are grateful for the support of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership and the leadership of Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde,” Higgins said. “We also extend our appreciation to the mayors of Sherwood, Alexander, Wrightsville, Cammack Village, Jacksonville, and Maumelle for their collaboration in this vital initiative.”
The establishment of the ORT represents a clear and collaborative effort to address the opioid crisis comprehensively, focusing on prevention, intervention, and community support.
For more information about the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, click here.
