JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County hosted its first-ever Revive Awareness Day event Thursday, a day meant to educate people about the dangers of opioid overdoses, how to safely use naloxone, and share resources available to support people with substance use disorder.
A recent report shows that Florida leads the country in having the most fentanyl seizures. For that reason, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County is increasing its preventative efforts.
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“This is a big deal. Opioid overdoses are a very big deal in our community. Our numbers, our county are extremely high,” Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, Tony Nichols, said. “The importance of this day and getting this information, and these potentially life-saving features out in our community is very huge for us.”
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At the event, health officials educated the public about the use of naloxone, also known as Narcan, which is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
“We want our community to get involved. If the community wants to get involved, be sure that you’re carrying Narcan because that can potentially save a life,” Nichols said. “The Health Department wants to be that pillar. We want to be that institution that is leading the forefront for these types of things and some disparities that are plaguing our community.”
Nichols acknowledged that some people may have some misconceptions about Narcan, and for that reason, an event like Revive Awareness Day was especially important.
“We’re providing education to ease that comfort and to get the comfort levels so individuals know that carrying Narcan is safe and effective and how they can use it and when they can use it to potentially save a life,” Nichols said.
These are the signs of an overdose, per the Florida Department of Health:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or not breathing,
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Cold or clammy skin
- Discolored skin, especially lips and nails
- Limp body
If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately.
Floridians can find Naloxone for their community through ISaveFL.com or by calling the Florida Department of Health in Duval County at 904-253-2708.