The opioid crisis continues to plague communities across the United States, including Duval County, Florida. With increasing overdose rates and evolving demographics of those affected, local authorities and organizations have implemented various initiatives to combat the crisis.
This article explores the efforts made in Duval County to address the opioid epidemic, highlighting key opioid addiction programs, distribution campaigns, and collaborative approaches aimed at reducing opioid addiction, preventing drug overdoses, and providing comprehensive care for individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
“Behind every statistic there is a face, a person, a human, a family and grieving friends and family,” said Mark Rowley, assistant chief with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. “Our data is consistent with what we’re seeing nationally.”
Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Program
To tackle the overdose crisis, Duval County has received funding from the nationwide CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program.
The program’s goals include decreasing opioid addiction, all drug overdoses especially opioid overdoses and death rates, reducing substance misuse, lowering emergency department visits due to overdose, and supporting the patient and medical community through evidence-based treatment information and patient-targeted materials.
Naloxone Distribution and Access
In response to the rising opioid overdose deaths, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) has taken steps to provide access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
“In 2021, nearly 600 people died from drug overdoses in Duval County alone,” said Antonio Nichols, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County. “Opioids are responsible for 81 percent of those deaths. We can’t prevent every opioid overdose in our community, but we can try to get this lifesaving medication into the hands of Duval County residents that may need it to help reduce the number of overdose deaths.”
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is distributed at various clinics, offering a potentially lifesaving intervention. The distribution campaign aims to increase access to naloxone, particularly encourage people in rural areas or regions with limited healthcare resources.
Naloxone nasal spray kits are currently available at the following DOH-Duval locations:
- Administrative Offices — Environmental Health
921 N. Davis Street, Bldg. B, Suite 350, Jacksonville, FL 32209 - Center for Women and Children 515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
- Children’s Dental Center at North Point
3416 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 - Comprehensive Care Center
515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 - Emerald Tiger WIC & Nutrition Services
3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 - Pharmacy
515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 - Refugee Health
515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 - South Jacksonville Family Health Center
3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 - South Jacksonville Immunization Center
3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 - Tuberculosis (TB) Clinical Services
515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 - Wesconnett WIC & Nutrition Services
5917 105th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32244 - Westside Children’s Dental Center
120 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Alarming Overdose Statistics and Changing Demographics
Duval County has witnessed a significant increase in drug-related deaths, reaching a five-year high in 2020, with over 500 reported fatalities. Opioid overdoses account for a substantial portion, contributing to 81% of these deaths.
The demographic profile of overdose victims has undergone changes, with higher proportions of Black or African-American individuals experiencing opioid addiction and fatal opioid overdoses compared to previous years.
Efforts led by the JAX Chamber and Project Opioid are focused on combating drug-related deaths and addressing these demographic shifts.
Project Opioid Will Encourage People to Participate in Stopping Opioid Addiction
Project Opioid, a coalition based in Central Florida, has extended its efforts to Duval County, recognizing the urgent need to confront the opioid overdose crisis.
Leaders from businesses, churches, nonprofits, educational institutions, government positions, and criminal justice and public safety initiatives have joined forces to combat stigma, implement business policies that support individuals seeking help, and develop city programs to facilitate long-term recovery.
By mobilizing various sectors, this collaborative approach aims to reduce the barriers to seeking assistance and provide comprehensive support for individuals battling addiction.
Innovative and Groundbreaking Program
Introducing Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE), an innovative and groundbreaking program that positions Florida as a trailblazer in sustainable addiction and opioid recovery. Collaboratively led by the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Agency for Health Care Administration, this program aims to establish a network of addiction care in up to 12 counties across the state.
Traditional treatment programs have struggled to achieve long-term recoveries for individuals battling substance use disorder and opioid addiction, a chronic illness with significant challenges. This program revolutionizes the approach by implementing a state-supported, cohesive, and coordinated system of addiction care, marking the first of its kind in the United States.
Key Differentiators of this Network
One of the key differentiators of this network is its reliance not only on emergency response for overdoses and substance use disorder but also on stabilizing and treating patients for coexisting medical and mental health conditions.
Here’s how CORE will work, according to the state: when someone overdoses, EMS will bypass other hospitals to take them to specialty hospitals officials say will have certain training– similar to a trauma center, to stabilize the patient, start medication assisted treatment, and work with them to continue their care elsewhere. “We have a lot of existing infrastructure. What was lacking was coordination. The breakdown of the silos and the navigation of the patient through the system and of course the EMS piece,” said Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, Florida Dept. of Health Deputy
Recognizing the holistic nature of recovery, CORE offers a range of essential services such as dental care, primary care, psychiatric evaluation and counseling, maternal care, and social support services. These social support services encompass vital aspects like career training, housing assistance, and addressing food insecurity, promoting overall well-being and long-term success.
CORE represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing the opioid crisis, demonstrating Florida’s commitment to providing comprehensive and sustainable addiction care. By embracing this innovative program, the state aims to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals suffering from addictions and offering hope for a brighter future.
Solutions Will Prevail
Duval County, Florida, has taken proactive steps to address the opioid crisis through collaborative initiatives, comprehensive care models, and public health campaigns.
By focusing on prevention, naloxone distribution, reducing stigma, and providing integrated support services like counseling and medication assisted treatment, the community aims to combat addiction, decrease overdose deaths, and create a sustainable pathway to recovery.
While the challenges remain significant, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the impact of the opioid epidemic in Duval County and providing hope for individuals and families affected by addiction.
