Starke County Government Leaders Table Mobile Response Team Positions

Members of the Starke County Council and Starke County Commissioners heard information about grant funded representatives for a Mobile Response Team. 

Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented the governing bodies with a Memorandum of Understanding for an EMT/Paramedic to be involved on the team.  This person would be called to the scene of an apparent overdose.  The EMT/Paramedic would treat and assess the patient and make sure they’re stable enough to be left alone. 

Prosecutor Leslie Baker also spoke of a diversion officer from her department who would be a part of the Mobile Response Team.  This credentialed representative would help the overdose patient seek treatment and oversee the diversion program to help keep track of that patient. 

Any salary or pay for each position would be reimbursed, in part, by Healthlinc.  Baker said about two-thirds of the diversion officer’s salary would be reimbursed, but was unsure how much the person would be paid. 

The job descriptions weren’t available for approval during the council and commissioner’s joint session meeting, so the government leaders decided to table the discussion.  By tabling the decision, County Attorney Marty Lucas will have a chance to review all contracts and other documents related to these new county positions.