Overdose

In southwest Florida, communities are fighting with the growing fentanyl crisis. The powerful synthetic opioid has become increasingly prevalent, leading to a surge in overdoses. In response, local organizations and law enforcement are increasing efforts to address the crisis and support affected individuals.

More funding targeting the drug overdose epidemic in Florida and the U.S. is being distributed to high-use areas. WGCU’s Cary Barbor has more.

In the health news this week, Florida Department of Health is rolling out an initiative to provide overdose prevention kits, and the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is reaching more Americans than the previous 10-digit number.

En las noticias de esta semana, el Departamento de Salud de la Florida está implementando una iniciativa para proporcionar kits de prevención de sobredosis, y el nuevo 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline está llegando a más estadounidenses

The plan is for health departments in all 67 counties to have kits with two Narcan nasal sprays that can be administered without a health care provider.

Like fentanyl, eutylone is often mixed with other drugs so people don't realize they're taking it until it's too late.

Officials say the pandemic and dealers who mix fentanyl with other drugs have contributed to the increase in overdose deaths in Florida.

Paramedic Mark Rowley didn’t recognize the face of the young man on the stretcher. Until he looked past the oxygen mask and the wires, he saw only...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida had the 17th highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation in 2017, a 17...

The Florida Highway Patrol announced Wednesday it is issuing naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug commonly known by its brand name, Narcan, to state...