As we approach the end of 2024, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) is filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides made, thanks to the support of grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Jonesboro State Bank (JSB) and the unwavering commitment of their dedicated staff, board members, and community partners.

This year, JPASD not only addressed critical issues like mental health and opioid overdose, but also laid the groundwork for a brighter, healthier future for our small, close-knit community.

Tackling the Mental Health and Opioid Crisis Together

In late 2023, the seeds of a critical initiative were planted to address the mental health and opioid crisis affecting Jackson Parish. Through the collaborative efforts of local leaders—from educators to mental health providers, and fire and law enforcement personnel—JPASD implemented a comprehensive curriculum for our EMS students and providers. This training includes essential skills like Narcan administration, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the instructors rise to the challenge.

By October 2023, the JPASD training program was completed ahead of schedule, with 100% compliance and adherence to guidelines. This success is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of the JPASD team, who developed and integrated effective training methods to respond to mental health and substance abuse crises, ensuring that our community is in capable hands during critical moments.

Life-Saving Protocols and Community Training

In addition to training the EMS staff, JPASD worked to implement life-saving protocols across the parish. This includes distributing necessary supplies like Narcan, gloves, and bag-valve-mask devices to ensure responders are equipped for emergencies. In addition to training on how to use the supplies provided within the community, training was implemented to recognize the signs of mental health disorders, de-escalation techniques, communication strategies, and referral procedures.

As JPASD continues to reflect on the progress of their efforts, they also recognized an increasing demand for CPR training, EMT education, and other healthcare resources within our community. Thanks to SAMHSA grant funding, JPASD made training more accessible and affordable to minority populations.

Expanding Access to EMS Training

In response to the growing need for EMS training, JPASD offered two free CPR classes to the community in November 2023. These classes were a huge success, helping reach individuals who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills. In addition, JPASD began offering financial aid-assisted courses starting in January 2024. Through these efforts, 54 people (38% of whom were minorities) have chosen to pursue a career in EMS, and many more are now equipped with the skills they need to help save lives in our community.

Number of EMS personnel recruited – 2
Number of EMS personnel trained – 84
Number of licensed/certified personnel as result of grant funding – 44
Number of courses qualifying graduates to serve in EMS – 3
Number of Mental Health First Aid courses as result of grant funding – 4
Number of Mental Health Opiod Overdose courses as result of grant funding – 4
Number of specific training funded to meet state/federal licensing/certification – 6
Number of overdose referrals in the field – 34
Number of individuals referred to treatment following overdose reversal – 34
Number of Narcan kits purchased and distributed in the field – 140
Number of technology-enhanced methods to educate EMS providers – 39 

To meet the growing demand for training, JPASD also recruited and certified new EMS instructors. Class sizes are now capped at 25 students, with multiple course offerings throughout the year. This means that more residents will be able to get the hands-on training they need to serve as EMTs, helping to expand our local emergency response capacity.

National Recognition and Cutting-Edge Training Tools

One of the proudest achievements in 2024 is the national recognition of the JPASD Training Center. After a rigorous approval process, JPASD was officially certified by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and licensed as a Stop the Bleed training facility. This accomplishment allows JPASD to continue providing top-notch education and training to our community and beyond.

Thanks to generous support from Jonesboro State Bank’s Pledge 10 program, JPASD enhanced their training facilities with new equipment, including advanced manikins and AI-driven simulation technology. These tools provide students with realistic, hands-on training scenarios that are crucial for preparing them to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.

Looking Ahead

Looking back on this year’s successes, JPASD is more motivated than ever to continue thier work and are excited for what the future holds. The proactive training and resources provided to the community have already improved performance in the field and improved outcomes for our residents.

At JPASD, we believe that every life in Jackson Parish matters, and we are committed to ensuring that our emergency responders and community members have the skills and support they need to make a difference. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our local partners, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to a safer, stronger future for Jackson Parish—one where we continue to rise to the challenges we face and work together for the health and well-being of our entire community.