Washington County Commissioners Allocate Funds for Opioid Crisis and Emergency Services Equipment

A recent public meeting of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) resulted in the approval of grant awards to address the opioid crisis and the acquisition of vital medical equipment for emergency responders. The board also advanced various administrative and personnel matters during their session on September 29, 2026.

Significant funding was allocated through the FY27 Opioid Restitution Fund. Following recommendations from the Office of Grant Management, the BOCC approved awards designed to support community-based prevention initiatives that benefit children and families. Additionally, a portion of this funding will bolster the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Employee Wellness Program. The Office of Grant Management reviewed eight applications from community organizations seeking support for prevention programming. Eligible programs that aligned with Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund requirements and employed evidence-based strategies to combat the opioid crisis were prioritized for funding. The Sheriff’s Office funding is specifically earmarked for an Employee Wellness Program intended to address the secondary and cumulative trauma experienced by personnel who respond to opioid overdoses, overdose deaths, and related incidents. These approved awards will be financed by restricted Opioid Restitution Funds, meaning they will not incur any additional fiscal impact on Washington County.

In addition to opioid crisis relief, the BOCC greenlit the submission of the FY27 Cardiac Device Grant application through the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). This action also authorizes the acceptance of any awarded funding. The grant aims to equip the Division of Emergency Services with the latest model of the LifePak cardiac monitor/defibrillator, facilitating the ongoing replacement of older LP 15 devices. Cardiac monitors are indispensable tools for emergency medical personnel, enabling them to assess cardiac patients and administer critical, life-saving interventions such as defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing. The grant necessitates a 50% local match, which will be sourced from the Division of Emergency Services’ FY27 operating budget. The approved grant application is expected to provide enhanced resources for the updated cardiac equipment utilized by Emergency Services in responding to life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

During the meeting, the Board of County Commissioners also addressed several other administrative matters. Multiple purchase awards and contract renewals were approved across various County departments, streamlining operations and ensuring the continued provision of essential services. Furthermore, the board made several appointments and reappointments to county boards and commissions, contributing to the governance and oversight of local initiatives. Hiring recommendations were also presented and approved, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain adequate staffing levels. Additional action items were discussed and can be viewed by accessing the full meeting recording, which is available on YouTube. Upcoming BOCC meetings are scheduled for October 13, November 10 (which will include an evening meeting with the Town of Smithsburg), November 17, and November 24, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Board of County Commissioners

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