Official: Overdose deaths need more attention

While Florida officials confirmed drug-related deaths have decreased, some experts say only more support and education will drop the number even more.

Aug. 31 is National Overdose Awareness Day, a day for people to recognize overdose deaths can be preventable.

Florida Behavorial Health Association President/CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter said providing more community resources to those struggling is key.

“Although Florida is seeing drug-related deaths decline, we need to remain vigilant in battling the overdose epidemic,” Brown-Woofter said. “One life lost to an overdose is one too many.”

According to a 2023 Florida Department of Law Enforcement report, the total drug-related deaths are down by 7%.

However, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines remain as some of the biggest killers in Florida when its comes to drug-related deaths.

While fentanyl has seen a slight decrease in the past year, it still holds a much higher cause of death than other drugs.

As of June 2023, the popular drug’s death toll is two times higher than cocaine-related deaths and totaled more than 50% of drug occurrences in Florida.

According to the report, residents age 26 to 50 are most likely to have died from fentanyl, where 90% of those deaths were caused by ingesting the opioid drug.

Of those deaths, 94.3% were deemed accidental.

FBHA offers standby mental health and substance use providers around the state, Brown-Woofter said, with locations in Sarasota and Charlotte counties:

Community Assisted and Supported Living, 2911 Fruitville Road, SarasotaLightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery, 4579 Northgate Court, SarasotaCharlotte Behavioral Health Care, 1700 Educational Ave., Punta Gorda

But sometimes prevention and support is not enough to save a life, Brown-Woofter said.

Lifesaving medications like naxloxone — a tool used to revive someone who has stopped breathing due to an opioid overdose — stored in medical emergency kits have helped reduce overdose deaths.

But training and education on using the medical kit is usually concentrated to first responders, a caveat Brown-Woofter said greatly reduces a non-professional resident’s ability to save someone’s life.

While no local naxloxone classes are currently offered in Sarasota, Charlotte or DeSoto counties, the FBHA urges residents to keep an eye out for signs that could help diagnose a potential overdose.

Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, cold and clammy skin, blue-colored lips and loss of consciousness are signs of a drug overdose, and 911 should be called immediately.

Those who suspect a loved one or someone they know is abusing drugs can visit Florida’s website DoseofRealityFL.com, for support and additional resources.

“Prevention, education and treatment are key to ending this epidemic,” Brown-Woofter said.