BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington city officials are encouraged by what appears to be a reduction in overdose deaths, and they’re crediting the fire department’s Community Response Team for helping to reduce those numbers.
City data shows a decrease in overdose deaths compared to the same period last year. The CRT began last October and uses overtime fire department members to respond to overdose and unresponsive calls in small teams. Overall, 50 fire department staff have been involved with the program. They also are regularly in the community helping connect people with other resources.
“It’s amazing to see these folks and be able to interact with these folks in crisis. It just gives us a feeling that maybe there’s more we can do than just that cycle of street, hospital, street and we can offer things that can really be impactful for folks,” said Burlington Fire Chief Michael LaChance.
The Burlington City Council on Monday extended funding for that program until the end of June, but the chief says he thinks there will be support to keep it going over the summer.