Florida
State of Florida Deploys Tools to Address Overdose Crisis
Contact:
Communications Workplace
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
850-245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla. — In the present day, Final week, First Woman Casey DeSantis introduced collectively the Florida Division of Youngsters and Households Secretary Shevaun Harris, State Surgeon Basic Dr. Joseph Ladapo and legislation enforcement to debate the latest will increase in overdoses related to fentanyl in Gadsden County.
Following that assembly, Florida Division of Youngsters and Households (DCF) and Florida Division of Well being (DOH) labored collectively to deploy public consciousness supplies relating to the hazards of substance abuse, particularly fentanyl-laced medication. Responding to overdose requires training and available sources by the hands of communities, households, legislation enforcement, emergency medical companies, and well being care suppliers.
In the present day, academic supplies are being deployed statewide to make sure Floridians are conscious of the indicators of overdose and how you can reply. Print and digital supplies could be downloaded right here. A public well being and security alert was additionally deployed by DOH on July 8, 2022 to make sure Floridians stay vigilant of the indicators of overdose. This alert could be discoveredright here.
“When an individual is affected by a substance use dysfunction, it may be tough to know the place to show,” mentioned DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Households and people can really feel misplaced, however there are lots of sources accessible to assist in each neighborhood throughout the state. Whether or not it’s discovering a therapy program, restoration assist or simply somebody to speak to, we will help join people to helps that will save a life. By partnering with the First Woman and DOH we’re working to make sure that these companies are extra outstanding, accessible, and accessible than ever earlier than.”
“Substance use dysfunction considerably impacts the well being and lives of people affected by it,” mentioned StateSurgeon Basic Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Growing consciousness of drug abuse and accessible sources will help save Floridians from devastating and deadly well being penalties. Our collaboration with the First Woman and DCF is a vital a part of the state’s persevering with efforts to offer help and complete sources to these in want.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort led by DCF and DOH alongside different state and neighborhood companions.
For questions relating to potential overdoses and different drug-related exposures, Florida’s Poison Management Facilities are a precious useful resource to people all through Florida, together with emergency personnel. Poison Management Facilities are staffed by well being care professionals which are particularly educated to offer help in treating drug overdoses or assessing sufferers uncovered to medication of abuse. Medical toxicologists can be found 24/7 for doctor consultations. For poisoning questions or emergencies, name 1-800-222-1222. Go to the web site at floridapoisoncontrol.org.
HEROS (Serving to Emergency Responders Receive Help) is a DOH program that gives free naloxone to emergency response companies. Because the inception of this system in 2018, over 455,000 doses have been distributed to emergency response companies in Florida by HEROS. All first responders in Florida are eligible to request free naloxone by this program. Extra info could be discovered right here.
In the event you or your group are curious about acquiring or managing naloxone for the neighborhood, please go to I SAVE FL to seek out accessible sources by DCF.
Concerning the Florida Division of Well being
The division, nationally accredited by the Public Well being Accreditation Board, works to guard, promote and enhance the well being of all folks in Florida by built-in state, county and neighborhood efforts.
Observe us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Fb. For extra details about the Florida Division of Well being please go to www.FloridaHealth.gov.