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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County Emergency Medical Services is proud to announce a significant achievement in its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort program. The CORE program has successfully assisted its 200th patient, reaching a major milestone in its mission to combat the opioid crisis and provide comprehensive care to individuals battling opioid addiction.
CORE is a state-funded addiction recovery program that expanded to Escambia County in late 2022, with the county accepting its first CORE patient in February 2023.
Since its inception, the CORE program has worked diligently to offer personalized, non-judgmental support to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. This program focuses on providing immediate medical care, counseling, and long-term recovery support to help patients through the recovery process.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 200th patient milestone, which represents the dedication and compassion of our EMS team and the resilience of the individuals we serve,” said Joey Kerman, Supervisor of Escambia County EMS CORE program. “This accomplishment highlights the success of our Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort, and we are committed to continuing this vital work to ensure that those struggling with addiction receive the support they need to reclaim their lives.”
The CORE program combines EMS response with community resources, including addiction counseling, mental health support, and recovery services, to give patients the tools and services they need to overcome addiction. By intervening at critical moments and connecting individuals with resources, CORE helps to break the cycle of addiction and offers a pathway to recovery.
"I'm incredibly proud of our CORE team for reaching this milestone and continuing to help so many individuals in our community who are struggling with opioid addiction," Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said. "The opioid crisis is impacting our community and many others across the nation, but through this program, lives are truly being changed for the better in Escambia County."
The CORE program is made possible by community partnerships including Community Health Northwest Florida and Lakeview Center.
“We believe in the power of community, and CORE is not just about emergency response, but also about providing long-term care and support,” Kerman said. “This milestone of 200 patients helped reflects the collective efforts of our EMS team, local partners, and the community as a whole.”
As the CORE program continues to grow, Escambia County EMS remains committed to providing compassionate care and essential support for individuals affected by opioid addiction. The 200th patient milestone is just one step in the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis and improve public health in Escambia County.
For more information about the CORE program, please visit MyEscambia.com/CORE, or contact CORE at 850-477-HELP or 850-377-4965.
About Escambia County EMS
Escambia County Emergency Medical Services is dedicated to providing high-quality pre-hospital emergency care and innovative community outreach programs. The Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort program aims to provide essential resources to individuals struggling with opioid addiction, offering both immediate care and assistance with long-term recovery solutions.
To learn more about Escambia County EMS, visit MyEscambia.com/EMS.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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