Crow Wing County Board Discusses Adding a Community Paramedic

On Monday, the Crow Wing County Board discussed whether or not the county should use opioid settlement funds to pay for a one-year trial of having a community paramedic.

The position would serve alongside law enforcement, screening and reviewing calls as well as accompanying officers on calls that involve a mental health crisis or other community needs. However, the board was weary to approve the position after there was a lack of clarification on how the settlement funds would be used.

“This almost, just this pilot project, the cost of it would use up almost two-thirds of the opioid dollars in what you’re projected for 2025,” said District 1 Commissioner Paul Koering. “I don’t feel like it meets the criteria that I think that that money should be used for, and that’s prevention.”

The board ultimately decided to table the vote until they receive more clarification on the related costs of the position.