CCFR hires social worker to enhance its paramedicine program
Photo of Ms. Arnold courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County, Florida – At its October 10 meeting, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation of funds from opioid settlements for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to enhance Citrus County’s Community Paramedicine Program. These settlements require distributors and manufacturers of opioids to pay billions of dollars to remediate and abate the impacts of the opioid crisis.
As a result, Sunshine Arnold, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, joined the Citrus County Fire Rescue team on Monday, December 11, 2023. Ms. Arnold has worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years, and has also served for over 7 years as Chief Executive Officer for Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association (CASA).
In her new capacity, Ms. Arnold will assist Citrus County Fire Rescue emergency medical services (EMS) providers in bringing medical services and mental health expertise into the field to meet the needs of patients with complex psychosocial issues. This will allow the agency to build on its Community Paramedicine Program, to assist people struggling with substance-use disorders by involving evidence-based addiction treatment, improving access to recovery support, and providing harm reduction resources.
“We are extremely excited to have Sunshine on board to make a positive impact in our community,” said Fire Chief Craig Stevens.
"The benefit of a social worker and paramedic team approach is dual, highlighting community support and embracing the utilization of social services delivery through a LCSW," said Citrus County Fire Rescue Communications Specialist Cortney Marsh. "It also sends the message to citizens, that while the fire department’s primary concern and function is to ensure rapid and appropriate fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services response to the community, they also have a vested interest in their patients' long-term health and welfare."
Contact Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
CCFR can be contacted 24/7 in an emergency within Citrus County, Florida by dialing 911.
CCFR's business office location is 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River, Florida, and its non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.
Visit CCFR's website at www.CitrusCountyFire.com, its Twitter feed at Twitter.com/CitrusCoFire, or its Facebook page at Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue.