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Overdose Prevention Information

Published

Dec 19, 2024

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Manatee County Overdose Prevention & Education Program (OPEP) supports increasing the capacity of the Manatee County government to distribute and administer additional naloxone - a medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. OPEP is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) First Responders Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) grant. 

OPEP aims to reduce opioid-related overdoses through three primary activities:
  • Increase availability, supply, and distribution of naloxone, a lifesaving opioid reversal medication in Manatee County
  • Engage the Manatee County population through training and education
  • Increase access to support and, ultimately, treatment for those who need it most through peer support

The four-year grant funded program is overseen by a steering committee consisting of agencies currently engaged in efforts to prevent drug overdose and subsequent deaths.

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Educational Resources:

As part of National and State Prescription Opioid Litigation efforts, Manatee County is expected to receive settlement money over the next 18 years to help combat this crisis. Per Resolution R-22-020, the Board of County Commissioners designated Drug Free Manatee as the County’s opioid taskforce to serve in an advisory capacity to the County regarding the expenditure of settlement awards. The money will expand treatment for opioid use disorders, increase the distribution of Naloxone or other FDA-approved drugs to reverse overdoses and provide care and support for people in treatment and recovery.

More information about the Opioid Settlement in Florida 

In partnership with NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, peers working in the Overdose Prevention and Education Program (OPEP) offer direct peer support to program participants as someone who can relate to the experience of living with opioid use disorder.  These recovery experts leverage their life experience and professional skillset to empower individuals on their pathway to recovery from opioids, including connection to treatment services and access to medication assisted treatment (MAT).

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder and would like to discuss your situation with someone with lived experience, please contact 941-233-7931.

Hours of operation: Seven days a week, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

All program participants who request peer support must complete a consent form.

 

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