Understanding the Overdose Crisis in Okaloosa County

Welcome back to the Let’s Talk podcast, where we connect Northwest Floridians with local leaders. In our latest episode, hosts Schuyler Black and Bobby Dewrell had the privilege of speaking with Fort Walton Beach Chief of Police, Robert Bage. Our focus was on the upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day and the critical initiatives being implemented in our community to combat the overdose crisis.

The Importance of Narcan Awareness

Chief Bage shared his passion for increasing awareness about Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. As part of the Okaloosa County Health Improvement Plan (OCIP), the Chief is collaborating with Okaloosa County EMS to distribute Narcan throughout the community.

Key Initiatives

• Your Life Was Saved Kit: This kit includes two doses of Narcan, a face shield, instructions for rescue breathing, and recovery resources. These kits will be left behind whenever first responders attend an overdose call.
• Community Narcan Kit: Designed for proactive distribution at events, these kits will help raise awareness and provide Narcan to those who may need it before an overdose occurs.

Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Narcan

A significant point made during the podcast was the importance of removing the stigma associated with seeking Narcan. Chief Bage emphasized that requesting Narcan should be viewed as a safety measure, much like wearing a seatbelt or using a car seat. There should be no shame in wanting to be prepared for emergencies.

Why Narcan is Essential

• Accessibility: Residents can obtain Narcan without judgment at local health centers like the Okaloosa County Health Department and Bridgeway Center.
• Safety Measure: Just as seatbelts protect against car accidents, Narcan can potentially save lives in overdose situations.

The Overdose Crisis in Okaloosa County

The statistics shared by Chief Bage were alarming. Okaloosa County has seen over 80 opioid fentanyl deaths in the past year, resulting in a rate greater than 40 per 100,000 residents. This places us among the highest in the state for drug overdose deaths.

Contributing Factors

1. Historical Drug Use: The legacy of higher drug usage rates in Okaloosa County, dating back decades, has set a concerning precedent.
2. Opioid Prescriptions: The rise of prescription opioids in the late 90s and early 2000s created a cycle of addiction that many residents are still grappling with today.
3. Fentanyl Contamination: Fentanyl is increasingly being laced into various illicit drugs, making even casual drug use extremely dangerous.

The Role of the Post-Overdose Response Team (POST)

In response to the rising overdose rates, Chief Beige introduced the Post-Overdose Response Team (POST), a proactive initiative aimed at reaching out to individuals who have recently experienced an overdose.

How POST Works

• Comprehensive Outreach: The POST team distributes drug treatment information throughout entire neighborhoods, not just to individual households. This approach ensures that anyone struggling with addiction, food insecurity, or mental health issues has access to vital resources.
• On-the-Spot Enrollment: The presence of a Bridgeway clinician during outreach efforts allows for immediate enrollment in available services. This eliminates barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help, such as transportation issues or missed appointments.

Upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day

Mark your calendars for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 29th at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. The program will run from 6 PM to 8 PM, with a free dinner starting at 5:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to ensure adequate food and resources.

Event Highlights

• Interactive panel discussion featuring local leaders and service providers.
• Opportunities to ask questions and engage with community resources.

Conclusion

The overdose crisis in Okaloosa County is a pressing issue that requires community awareness and action. Through initiatives like Narcan distribution and the POST program, local leaders are working tirelessly to combat this epidemic. Join us in raising awareness on International Overdose Awareness Day and help make a difference in our community.

For more information about Narcan, overdose awareness, and community resources, please visit the Okaloosa County Health Department’s website or contact local service providers.

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