Escambia County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has achieved a significant milestone in its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort (CORE) program, successfully assisting its 200th patient in the battle against opioid addiction.
Launched in Escambia County in late 2022, the state-funded CORE program accepted its first patient in February 2023. The initiative provides comprehensive care through a combination of immediate medical response, addiction counseling, mental health support, and long-term recovery services.
“This milestone represents both the dedication of our EMS team and the resilience of the individuals we serve,” said Joey Kerman, Escambia County EMS CORE program supervisor.
The program’s success stems from its integrated approach, connecting emergency response with vital community resources. Through partnerships with organizations like Community Health Northwest Florida and Lakeview Center, CORE creates personalized support systems for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts emphasized the program’s impact: “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.”
He added, “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.”
Kerman highlighted the program’s community-focused approach: “We believe in the power of community, and CORE is not just about emergency response, but also about providing long-term care and support.”
This milestone marks a significant step in Escambia County’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and improve public health. The CORE program continues to expand its reach while maintaining its commitment to providing compassionate, non-judgmental care for individuals affected by opioid addiction.
For more information about the CORE program, visit MyEscambia.com/CORE or call 850-477-HELP or 850-377-4965.