JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At a recent press conference, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan for distributing $205.7 million of legal settlement money received from opiod manufacturers and distributors.
Describing the opiod crises as a serious issue that’s “not just affecting Florida, but every corner of the United States,” the Governor outlined how he will “fill the gaps in services” and ensure individuals have access to care “24/7.”
“More people are dying from drug overdoses than car crashes every year in our country,” he said.
Distributing the money between state and local programs, more than $10 million dollars will be used to establish the Office of Opioid Recovery within Florida’s Department of Children and Families to oversee the preventative care, treatment and recovery of residents battling mental illness or addiction. Researchers and epidemiologists within the office are expected to identify issues and counsel Floridians during recovery.
The largest chunk, over $92 million, will be used for treatment programs including up to five on-demand mobile units. Services include on-site assessments, recovery support services, and specific medications for substance abuse.
More than $39 million dollars will be used to prevent addiction through education. Awareness campaigns will target middle and high school students outlining the dangers of substance abuse. This includes $14 million dollars for Naloxone Saturation, a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
Building upon its recently established Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) network, DeSantis says he will use $26.8 million to add 17 additional counties to the state’s already existing twelve to combat the spread of the illicit use of opioids. According to DeSantis, CORE which was established last August, “disrupts the revolving door of addiction through a cohesive coordinated system of care for substance abuse disorder. "
Twelve million dollars will go towards recovery housing with peer support and $11.3 million dollars will be used to develop an integrated statewide database. DeSantis said that from the database, partners will be able to securely share and analyze data as it relates to substance abuse, addiction, treatment, health, opiod crime and serious adverse events related to overdose.
“We want to stop illicit drugs from entering our state, hold dealers accountable, educate Floridians on the dangers and provide treatment that breaks the addiction cycle,” Governor DeSantis said.
