June 4, 2024

Paramedic's Journey from Addiction to Advocacy

Cabarrus County EMS’ Joey Steele battled addiction for years before becoming a paramedic. Now, he’s sharing his powerful story to highlight the need for compassion for those who still struggle. Steele, who recently earned the EMS Annual Service Award, sat down to talk about his journey to recovery and how his past helps him serve residents.

Steele is a backup with the Community Paramedic MAT program, which offers free peer support, paramedic service and advanced medical care while linking participants with recovery support programs.

Hear Joey’s story in the video below:

The MAT program offers:

• Daily service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Temporary administration of M.O.U.D. / Suboxone (until prescription is obtained)

• Daily follow-ups

• Connection to recovery resources

• Assistance with appointment transportation

• Employment resources

• Assistance with food insecurity

• Virtual visits available

For more information, call 704-920-2600 and select option 6 or email MAT_Paramedic@cabarruscounty.us

5 Things to Know: Summer Safety Edition

💦 Water safety

Teach children how to swim. Enroll them in swim lessons when they are ready – consider their age, development and how often they are around water.

Full water safety checklist

🚲 Bike safety

Make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it every time when riding, skating or scooting. Their helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards.

More bike safety tips

🌞 Heatstroke prevention

Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place your phone, briefcase or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. 

More heatstroke prevention tips

👶 Car seat safety

All children must use a car seat, booster seat or seat belt



Car Safety Checklist

Safe Kids Cabarrus Car Seat Safety Event

🔥 Fire safety

Properly working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years.

Fire safety checklist

Source: Safe Kids Cabarrus

Cabarrus This Week

Let's get plugged in!

In this episode of Cabarrus This Week, we're breaking down the FY25 Recommended Budget – what you need to know and how you can get involved. 

CTW archives

Camp Spencer pool hours & reservations!

$2 summer matinees | Now - August 8 | Gym Theatre in Kannapolis

String Art adventure | Various dates and times at our different library branches

Stenciled tote bags| June 5 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Kannapolis Library | FREE

Art Walk pop-up: wearables edition | June 8 | Cabarrus Art Council Lawn and the Courthouse Plaza between the Cabarrus Center and Cabarrus Arts Council

North Carolina Juneteenth Festival | June 15 | Cabarrus Arena & Events Center | FREE | $8 parking

Basics of Home Canning | June 19 & 20 | Cooperative Extension | 715 Cabarrus Ave W, Concord | $15

View all Cabarrus County Library System events

View the Active Living and Parks session guide

Work with Cabarrus

Cookin' with Pam

Chili Lime Salad with Strawberries, Mango and Pineapple

See more of Pam's recipes

Board of Commissioners

Resources

Child Support Services

Understand the process and enroll

Veterans Services resources

Access our full list of Cabarrus County resources

Recursos de la Comunidad

In the News

• (WCCB, Charlotte's CW) Cabarrus County Recommended FY25 Budget Cuts Tax Rate

• (Independent Tribune) Cabarrus ushers in new era of behavioral healthcare

• (WBTV) Beloved Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office K-9 passes away

Get Connected

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