Houston County first-responder programs receive thousands in training grants
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Two Houston County cities are getting grants totaling $209,000 to expand first responder training in the Wiregrass.
The City of Cottonwood is receiving $64,000 to launch a training program teaching first responders across the Wiregass how to treat opioid overdoses.
Those who complete the training will receive a free naloxone antidote kit. Naloxone, or Narcan, is a medication known for reversing the effects of an opioid overdose and is commonly known as a life-saving antidote.
To make this happen, the Cottonwood Police Department is partnering with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and Southeast Alabama Emergency Medical Services.
The Dothan Police Foundation will receive a larger donation of $145,000 to train emergency response vehicle drivers to drive safely in challenging road conditions.
The training, named the Grip-Not-Slip program, will provide hands-on instruction using a driver-training vehicle and a traffic scenario simulator. This will take place on the driving skills pad at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center.
Both training programs will be available to first responders in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties.
“When the unthinkable happens, we rely on our first responders to provide life-saving assistance,” Gov. Ivey said. “Our first responders are called on to do so much to serve and protect our communities, and this is training will help them more safely respond to emergency calls.”
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