The Harnett County Community Paramedics were recognized on April 17, 2026, earning the 2025 Heart of CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Award. The CIT award was presented by the Crisis Intervention Team Program Leadership and Alliance Health.
“We are honored to receive the 2025 CIT award,” said Harnett County Community Paramedic Jennifer Haney in a press release. “While the recognition came as a surprise, we are grateful that our peers see the hard work and dedication that we bring to serving our community.”
The Heart of CIT award is considered to be the highest CIT award to be given to a CIT-certified officer, first responder, group, provider or partner that exemplifies what the CIT Program is about.
“CIT is about responding to individuals living with behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or social determinants of health challenges, building partnerships, and reducing the use of jail and the emergency department by meeting individuals' needs and connecting them with resources and supports,” said Justice Specialist with Alliance Health, Charlene Meyers, in a press release.
What began in 2020 to reduce readmissions by helping individuals stay stable and avoid returning to the hospital within 30 days has evolved significantly. The Community Paramedics also address the growing opioid crisis by providing support toward overdose response and launching the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT), enhancing follow-up care and engagement with overdose patients.
“We love what we do,” said Harnett County Community Paramedic Leslie Owens in a press release. “We are here to listen, guide and give our community members the help that they deserve. We will continue to strive to do our best each day and make an impact in our community.”
While overdose prevention and response remain a primary focus, the program continues to broaden its impact by assisting vulnerable populations with essential resources, wound care and necessary supplies, meeting patients where they are and addressing their comprehensive health and social needs.
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