During the meeting, a detailed presentation highlighted the successes of the Community Resource Paramedicine program, which is designed to decrease emergency calls and enhance the quality of life for residents by addressing health and social challenges. The program, funded by the city with an operating budget of nearly $73,000, is divided into four main pillars: chronic disease management, recovery response, homelessness outreach and prevention, and community health. The program supervisor from Gainesville fire rescue outlined the goals and structure, noting that it is 100% patient-driven with referrals coming from multiple sources such as free clinics, law enforcement, and shelters. The program offers personalized care plans, education, and connections to community resources, at no cost to the patients.

Council members engaged in a discussion on the potential impact of implementing a similar program in Bradford County, particularly with regards to utilizing opiate abatement funds the county has received. The program’s financial accessibility for patients was underscored, and the positive outcomes, including a significant reduction in emergency calls and successful referrals to treatment facilities, were well-received. There was a focus on the need to analyze the program’s impact on EMS savings and the possibility of using crisis council funds for substance abuse and mental health programs.

Further discussions delved into tackling opioid issues and behavioral health concerns prevalent in the community. Concerns were raised about staffing shortages and the availability of financial resources for such initiatives. The potential for partnership with interns from local universities to support the program was explored, and there was interest in collaborating with surrounding counties to share resources and address community needs. The availability of funding for mobile medicated-assisted therapy was mentioned, along with the number of overdose responses in the past year. The council debated the allocation of funds and the necessity for dedicated funding for substance abuse programs.

In relation to the funding debate, the council considered a proposal to allocate $200,000 to the Meridian program to support immediate needs in the community. The proposal also included discussions on the timeline for spending the allocated funds and the importance of ensuring the funding is directed towards those who need treatment. The council expressed the desire to bring in representatives from Meridian and other organizations to provide information on their budgets, needs, and the number of cases they handle. The role of the Community paramedicine program in addressing substance abuse and mental health issues was also emphasized, including the potential for the program to offer after-hours or transportation services.

A Department of Health representative provided insights into the role of Community paramedicine programs in identifying individuals in need of services and facilitating their care. The council agreed to hold the funding for the program until the next meeting, to gather more details and support from partnering agencies. The need for collaboration with law enforcement agencies and schools in addressing early intervention for addiction was underscored.

Also discussed was the merger of the Starke Police Department with the Sheriff’s Office, with updates on the seamless transition, coverage provided by two deputies at all times within the city, and the cost of this coverage at $625,000. The impact of the opioid problem on the community was addressed, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts to address addiction and its connection to crime.

The council praised the qualifications of the emergency management director and acknowledged the presence of resource officers in all schools. There was a debate on changes to the board policy manual, particularly regarding agenda preparation times and transparency concerns. Conflicting information in the public comments section of a document was noted, with a need for clarifications.

Property matters were also on the agenda, with discussions on the sale of properties listed on GovDeals and the consideration of lowering reserve prices to ensure funds are provided to those most in need, such as individuals struggling with addiction. The council reached a consensus to set the reserve prices for two different properties at $150,000 and $70,000, respectively.