Hillsborough Recovery Coalition outreach fights opioid epidemic

Drug overdose deaths have decreased by 8% this year, according to State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Lopez said that more progress will be achieved in the fight against fentanyl abuse and the abuse of other drugs since new legislation has been signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The state attorney emphasized the importance of partnerships in combating the epidemic. Hillsborough Recovery Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides peer support for individuals and families affected by substance use.

“We get reports back that some of the Narcan that we distribute has actually reversed some overdoses.” said Hillsborough Recovery Coalition Peer Support Counselor Monica Gonzalez.

With offices located at the Portico Cafe, they offer support groups and resources such as food and clothing. However, according to Gonzalez, outreach is the most crucial aspect of their job.

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Local advocate says Narcan distribution will help bring down overdose deaths

Despite new numbers from the CDC showing fatal drug overdoses slightly down statewide from 2021 to 2022, some Tampa Bay area counties have seen an increase in that same timeframe.

Still, experts say the use of a now over-the-counter medication could help bring those numbers down by the end of 2023.

Narcan, generically known as naloxone, is a medication that can help revive someone during an overdose. Organizations like the Epicenter Recovery Foundation distribute Narcan free of charge to the public as part of its harm reduction efforts.

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Narcan hits pharmacy shelves eliminating need for prescription

A nasal spray that can be lifesaving after an overdose is hitting pharmacy shelves this week.

Narcan - When and How to Use It

Following is a comprehensive lesson in when and how to use Narcan, a brand name for Naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose effects in those who’ve taken opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin and fentanyl. The lesson is in 3 parts, each approximately 1 hour long.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan. Here's what it means

Creator: Evilleavenger

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.....MORE