EVERETT, DEC. 12: The Everett Fire Department gave an update on their Buprenorphine Pilot Project yesterday, which allows firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to provide immediate support to address opioid withdrawal. Since July, the program has served 21 individuals.
Over the summer EMS launched the pilot program, which allowed paramedics to administer buprenorphine. Buprenorphine can prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings without causing a high.
“By administering this medication on-site after reversing an overdose with naloxone (Narcan), paramedics can address immediate withdrawal effects and initiate critical conversations about treatment and recovery,” the release said.
Since the program launched on July 29, 21 individuals have accepted the buprenorphine, Everett Fire reported. Of the 21 individuals, 90% of those individuals engaged with embedded crisis responders from the city’s CARE Team.
The program has served participants from mid-20s to mid-70s, including 13 females and eight males, Everett Fire reported. Of the 21 served, 12 were housed, while the remaining nine were unhoused.
“I‘m proud to see the buprenorphine pilot program having early successes,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “We’ve seen that the fentanyl crisis causes or contributes to nearly every challenge facing our city, making programs like this incredibly important not only to those struggling with substance use disorder but our entire community.”
The program allows for immediate, on-site response, overcoming barriers that delay access to care the release said.
“Noteworthy positive outcomes include reconnecting individuals with family support during their journey to sobriety, facilitating connections to substance use disorder agencies for counseling and treatment options, and linking clients to essential resources,” the release said.
The Washington State Department of Health and Snohomish Health Department are partners of this program. Everett Transit also recently partnered, providing free bus passes for clients to “remove transportation barriers and enabling easier access to shelters, meal distribution sites, appointments, shelter and health care.”
Resources:
- City of Everett Human Services
- Snohomish Overdose Prevention
- stopoverdose.org
- Washington Recovery Helpline (24hr crisis help & referral), 1-866-789-1511
Based off a press release from the Everett Fire Department
