RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing $10 million to 39 local EMS agencies, including Brunswick and Columbus counties.
State officials said the funding will help strengthen the EMS workforce and expand access in rural communities to mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders. That includes follow-up support after overdoses and connections to recovery services.
Officials noted rural areas in North Carolina have seen higher overdose death rates and more overdose-related emergency department visits than urban communities…