Secures Additional $26M in Federal Funding for Florida’s State Opioid Response Project, Re-Establishes Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor and Orders a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse

Sanford, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will sign an executive order continuing his efforts to address Florida’s substance abuse crisis and opioid epidemic. Joining the Governor at the announcement were Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Department of Children and Families Secretary (DCF) Chad Poppell.

“Substance abuse is a serious public health concern and although great progress has been made, the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities throughout our state,” said Governor DeSantis. “These issues require effective and immediate action and my administration is committed to taking the necessary steps to combat this crisis.”

Governor DeSantis announced that Florida has been awarded $26 million in additional federal funding for Florida’s State Opioid Response Project. This project is designed to address the opioid crisis by reducing opioid deaths, preventing opioid abuse among our young people, and increasing recovery services and access to treatment.

The Governor is also re-establishing the Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor. This office was discontinued several years ago, but the importance of restoring its functions could not be more obvious.

Finally, the Governor announced the creation of a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse. The Task Force will develop a statewide strategy and identify best practices to combat the opioid epidemic through education, treatment, prevention, recovery, and law enforcement.

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

“The opioid epidemic has taken far too many lives and devastated too many of our local communities,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Our administration is taking immediate action today to address this crisis through enforcement, prevention and recovery.”

“I want to thank Governor DeSantis for bringing federal, state and local governments and stakeholders together to fight the opioid crisis and save lives,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “As a former Federal Prosecutor and Circuit Judge, who saw firsthand how this crisis ravaged our communities, I am honored to help lead this mission. I look forward to bolstering our ongoing efforts against this deadly crisis claiming 17 lives a day in Florida.”

“We appreciate the support of the Governor and First Lady in the ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic in Florida and look forward to working with the task force,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “Too often, children come into care because of their parent’s opioid use. This $26 million, along with the significant investments already made, will further Florida’s ability to provide treatment, expand hospital bridge programs, and enhance coordination within the child welfare system to help the parents of vulnerable children.”

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