Opioid Epidemic

State education officials are slated next week to approve a proposed rule that would require Florida’s public colleges to have supplies of emergency opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, in residence halls and dormitories. The proposal stems from a 2023 bill (HB 783) approved by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Opioid antagonists are used to treat people who overdose by counteracting “the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system that results from an opioid overdose,” a House analysis of the bill said.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners approved contacts Tuesday on opioid addiction, added to the Department of Community Development and accepted state funds to help with housing and utilities.

State health officials reported 9,592 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, for a total of 1,083,362 cases.The Florida Department of Health also reported 84 new coronavirus-related deaths, Dec. 9, increasing the statewide death toll to 19,716 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

State health officials reported 1,685 new COVID-19 cases, Monday, bringing Florida's total to 685,439 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 21 new coronavirus-related deaths, Sept. 21, increasing the statewide death toll to 13,480 fatalities.Monday’s state data comes as the death toll from the virus nationally has now topped 200,000 fatalities.

The US is still struggling with opioid addiction, and Florida continues to experience some of the highest opioid overdose rates in the country. Last year…

While the opioid epidemic continues to grow across southwest Florida, in Lee County overdoses increased by more than 800 percent over the past four years…

While the opioid epidemic continues to grow across southwest Florida, in Lee County overdoses increased by more than 800 percent over the past four years…

Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult for anyone, but when children lose a parent or sibling, the loss can be particularly profound. We’re joined…

Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult for anyone, but when children lose a parent or sibling, the loss can be particularly profound. We’re joined…

As our society continues to struggle with the opioid epidemic, opioid abuse among those 50 and older has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to…