CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice today announced the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Public Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) will provide equipment to EMS agencies across the state to support overdose response.
Through $1.5 million in federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action program, OEMS has purchased syringes, atomizers, gloves, sharps containers, face shields, and other equipment to support West Virginia EMS agencies.
“First responders are working on a daily basis to save lives impacted by the substance use disorder epidemic,” said Jody Ratliff, OEMS Director. “We believe this overdose equipment will make a difference and are happy to support the incredible efforts of EMS agencies statewide.”
Supplies will be distributed to agencies in November.
For more information about OEMS, visit wvoems.org. To view and apply for careers in the public health field, visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx. West Virginians seeking information on EMS careers in West Virginia are encouraged to visit emswv.com to learn about Gov. Jim Justice’s EMS WV: Answer the Call initiative.