DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Fire Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
FY 2020 STRAC MIH Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Donation Acceptance
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a donation from the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) in the amount up to $472,690.00 and approves a program budget for Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) to be used by the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit of the EMS division of the San Antonio Fire Department to help improve the outcomes of citizens that have suffered narcotic overdose.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) was established to facilitate the development, implementation, and operation of a regional comprehensive trauma and emergency healthcare system based on accepted standards of care to decrease morbidity and mortality. Funds from STRAC are awarded to assist in improving the functionality of EMS agencies in the State of Texas. STRAC has received donation funding from Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) to help improve the outcomes of citizens that have suffered narcotic overdoses through Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) from opiate dependence.
San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Paramedics have been providing education, Narcan harm reduction, and referral to treatment for opiate overdose patients through funding with the Texas Targeted Opiate Response (TTOR) program. The Fire Department's unique community acceptance and trust allows them better access to patients and their families in order to disrupt the cycle of opioid dependence and facilitate referral into treatment. The MIH program has identified a need in the current referral process. The current TTOR program does not address withdrawal treatment in a timely manner which is a significant barrier for intake and compliance with MAT from opiate dependence. Patients are...
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