In a recent city council meeting, Chief Golisano presented a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the pharmacy program for the fire department, which is crucial for providing medications to patients in the field. The current system, which has been in place for over 50 years, involves receiving medications from local hospitals, administering them during emergencies, and then returning used supplies for replenishment. However, recent legislative changes, particularly in response to the opioid epidemic, necessitate a shift to a more accountable system.

The new program will transition from a hospital-based medication exchange to an EMS agency-based model, requiring the fire department to procure and manage its own medications. This change is driven by federal regulations that demand tighter controls over scheduled medications, which include potent drugs like morphine and fentanyl, known for their potential for abuse.

To comply with these regulations, the fire department is implementing a robust logistics and security system at its existing logistics center, which will now include a pharmacy component. This involves significant upgrades to security measures, including monitored access and tracking systems for medications. The department is also preparing for audits by regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.

The initial implementation cost of the program is estimated at nearly $780,000, which includes funding for two new positions: a full-time program manager and a part-time paramedic. Ongoing operational costs will also be incurred as the department begins purchasing its own medications.

City officials acknowledged the challenges posed by this unfunded mandate, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to secure federal grants and other resources to offset costs. The council is expected to discuss funding requests and personnel additions in the upcoming meeting, as the fire department aims to meet the November 2024 deadline for full compliance with the new regulations.