Novant Health launches new opioid overdose intervention
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health has launched an intervention for patients following an opioid overdose to strengthen the safety net supporting individuals in crisis.
Novant Health community paramedics will begin responding to 911 calls alongside ambulances to offer medication assisted treatment to eligible patients immediately following an opioid overdose.
Because many patients who are stabilized by emergency medical services (EMS) following an overdose decline to be transported to this hospital, the mobile program ensures more patients have immediate access to this treatment, according to a press release.
“We have strong community programs in place, but we also identified an opportunity to fill a missing link to help individuals struggling with opioid use disorder,” said Rick O’Donnell, senior director of Novant Health Mobile Integrated Health. “This program is an important addition because we will be able to immediately offer patients a lifeline following an overdose, providing them a resource until they are connected with community support.”
Under the program, Novant Health is expanding its community paramedics program serving New Hanover County. After patients are stabilized by EMS at the scene, a community paramedic will discuss medication assisted treatment.
The mobile treatment program is supported by $1.6 million in funding over five years from New Hanover County and is part of the county’s overall strategic investments being made through the use of opioid settlement funds.
