Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a decline in drug overdose deaths across the state for the first half of 2023.
According to the 2023 Florida Medical Examiners Interim Report, the state experienced a 7% decrease in total drug-related deaths, a 10% decrease in deaths caused by fentanyl, and a 1o% decrease in opioid-caused fatalities.
“Florida law enforcement is leading the way in removing deadly Mexican fentanyl from our streets, and while the third straight report with a decrease in drug-related deaths statewide is encouraging news, the death toll is still far too high and the border way too open. That is why we must continue to wage war against the opioid crisis on multiple fronts—on the streets, in addiction treatment facilities and in federal court, where my attorneys are pushing back against Biden’s unlawful immigration policies in an effort to stop the free flow of deadly drugs across our border,” said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
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FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “By working together – our agents, local law enforcement, our lawmakers, and our communities – we can reduce the number of drug deaths across Florida, and make our communities safer and healthier.”
Despite these encouraging trends, the report also noted that fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Florida, responsible for over 70% of fatalities.
This potent synthetic opioid is often mixed with other drugs, including cocaine and heroin, making it particularly dangerous as users may be unaware of its presence.
Law enforcement officials attributed the overall decline in deaths to a combination of factors, including increased access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, as well as greater public awareness campaigns about the dangers of fentanyl. Additionally, the state has invested in expanded treatment and prevention programs, targeting communities most affected by the opioid crisis.
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The report also highlighted regional variations in drug overdose deaths, with some areas of the state experiencing increases despite the overall downward trend. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and continued collaboration between public health officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address the unique challenges faced by different regions.
The decline in drug overdose deaths in Florida is a welcome development, but experts caution that the fight against the opioid crisis is far from over. The prevalence of fentanyl remains a major concern, and sustained efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life.
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