05:09Waterfront Mission initially sought funding to construct new facilities to expand their bed capacity. However, with updated cost assessments revealing increased construction expenses, their vice president of PR and development, Marcus Bell, presented a plan to purchase and remodel an existing property instead. This change aims to maximize resources while addressing the growing need for treatment spaces. The board expressed support for this pragmatic approach, and the revised scope of work was unanimously approved.

17:35The meeting also emphasized the impact of the opioid epidemic on the community, with over 400 applicants seeking treatment in 2024, though only 39 were admitted due to the current limited bed capacity of 22. Plans are in motion to expand this capacity to approximately 50 beds through grant funding. The board discussed the reasons for the disparity between applicants and program entrants, noting that severe mental illness, pregnancy, or having dependent children often disqualify applicants, while others pursue alternative treatments or do not complete the application process. Partnerships with community organizations, including the Waterfront and jail ministries, are crucial in supporting outreach and recovery efforts.

10:31Joey Kerman from Escambia County EMS reported on the increasing demand for services, highlighting that since their program’s inception, 326 patients have been evaluated and 285 transitioned into care. The collaboration with community partners plays a vital role in bridging gaps for patients who miss appointments. Walter Arrington from Community Health Northwest Florida emphasized the integration of services with EMS, which has been beneficial, particularly with the opening of the Waterfront Clinic that provides immediate care and facilitates patient transitions into long-term care.

20:55Patty Hyde from Lake View introduced a new program, “Adolescents in Motion,” aimed at providing substance abuse treatment and care coordination for teenagers. Meanwhile, Cindy McLin of Lake View Center’s Opus program reported on their transition to utilizing abatement funding after the conclusion of existing SSA funding, outlining their plans for mobile unit outreach and ongoing health education initiatives in the County Jail.

27:12The board reviewed the opioid abatement implementation plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, reaffirming their commitment to the established funding categories of treatment, recovery, prevention, and criminal justice. Despite achieving several goals in the previous year, the board acknowledged the persistent need for more treatment facilities and bed capacity. A motion to continue with the existing plan received unanimous support, with the timeline for funding applications set to mimic previous years, allowing submissions from June 5th to September 12th, 2025.

30:36Concerns were raised regarding the reimbursement clause in funding applications, particularly for smaller nonprofits that might struggle with upfront costs. The board noted the necessity of the reimbursement system to safeguard the county from financial liabilities if projects falter. To alleviate concerns, the board agreed to clarify the process for applicants. Language addressing these concerns will be added to the notice of funding availability.