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There’s a new resource for opioid addicted individuals and their families in Davie County.

Davie EMS and Davie Health and Human Services have teamed up to create an opioid task force, including a community response team comprised of paramedics Lisa Thomas and Kathy Lawson, and social worker Marie Walters.

The consent program means those participating must agree, and most who take part enter the program through EMS. When EMS goes to an opioid overdose call, they offer the resource to the patient and their family. Those entering Davie Medical Center for overdoses will also be made aware of the program. About half of those contacted have agreed to take part, Thomas said.

In 20 19, of the 71 children in foster care, 36 came from families with substance abuse problems. Forty-six percent of child abuse cases in the county are the result of substance abuse, she said.

From Jan. 2019 to Oct. 2020, 70 overdoses had been reversed with the drug Narcan. She said EMS averages three to four overdose calls a month.