Escambia County Opioid Abatement Board Considers Funding for For-Profit MAT Providers
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Meeting Type:
Public Safety Committee
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Meeting Date:
01/06/2025
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Recording Published:
01/06/2025
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Duration:
14 Minutes
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Towns:
Bellview, Brent, Century, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Gonzalez, Goulding, Molino, Myrtle Grove, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Warrington, West Pensacola
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County:
Escambia County
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State:
Florida
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent meeting of the Escambia County Opioid Abatement Board, a discussion centered on the allocation of abatement funds to for-profit Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers. Sean Parker, representing a provider called New Season, highlighted that while current funding supports non-profit organizations, for-profit providers like New Season, which treat a substantial portion of the county’s MAT patients, are not currently eligible for these funds. Parker emphasized the need for the board to consider allowing for-profit entities to access these funds, arguing that they are essential to expanding treatment options for individuals affected by the opioid crisis.
Parker’s presentation urged the board to reconsider its funding guidelines, underscoring that the funds, derived from settlements with pharmaceutical companies, should be accessible to all entities committed to battling the opioid epidemic. The discussion raised questions regarding the board’s authority to make such changes.
In addition to this funding debate, the board received updates from Walter Arrington of Community Health Northwest Florida. Arrington reported the successful launch of a third MAT site and the deployment of a mobile medical unit with MAT capabilities. He praised the county’s Emergency Medical Services for their ongoing support, despite some initial challenges.
Wed Moreno
Public Safety Committee Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Public Safety Committee
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/06/2025
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Recording Published:
01/06/2025
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Duration:
14 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Escambia County
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Towns:
Bellview, Brent, Century, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Gonzalez, Goulding, Molino, Myrtle Grove, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Warrington, West Pensacola
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