LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office was awarded $369,823.97 on Wednesday as part of an opioid settlement from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (AROP).
Pulaski County Sheriff Eric Higgins said the funding marks a significant step forward in the county's efforts to combat opioid misuse and improve community safety.
"Our agency is committed to addressing the opioid crisis head-on," Higgins said. "This grant allows us to enhance our response capabilities and provide essential services to those affected by opioid use disorder."
According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, the settlement money will be used to establish an Opioid Response Team (ORT), which will focus on responding to overdose calls and providing support and education.
Higgins said ORT's responsibilities will include immediate response to overdose calls received through 911, community education on opioid use disorder and training in the administration of Naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Over the next two years, the ORT will consist of an investigator (deputy) and a peer support specialist coordinating efforts in the following municipalities: Sherwood, Alexander, Wrightsville, Cammack Village, Jacksonville and Maumelle.
"We are grateful for the support of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership and the leadership of Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde," Higgins said. "We also extend our appreciation to the mayors of Sherwood, Alexander, Wrightsville, Cammack Village, Jacksonville and Maumelle for their collaboration in this vital initiative."
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the establishment of the ORT is a collaborative effort to "address the opioid crisis comprehensively" by focusing on prevention, intervention and community support.
