R24-170 International Overdose Awareness Day

1:29:07I had written on mine the right item, so it worked out. So that uh ends uh C items. Firehouse. Um close consent and move back to resolution two.

1:29:20Okay. Um if you are here for International Overdose Awareness Day, please come to the podium.

1:29:31This is kind of purple. You're on deck. I'm kind of got purple

1:29:34mixed up. Not even close to purple.

1:29:36There's nowhere close to purple. There is purple in there. I I absolutely see purple. I don't see it.

1:29:43I'll go ahead and read the resolution.

1:29:46Resolution number 24-170, resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring August 31st, 2024 as National Overdose Awareness Day in Pasco County. Whereas the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners observes International Overdose Awareness Day to raise awareness of the overdose crisis, honor those who have lost their lives to overdose, and acknowledge the grief of families and communities affected by this devastating issue. NRAS community members and organizations resolved to unite in reducing

1:30:17the number of overdoses in Pasco County, which experienced over 1,100 overdoses last year alone, and 289 of those resulting in fatalities.

1:30:36To treat substance misuse and overdose as a critical public issue, a critical public health issue that affects individuals from all walks of life. And RAS, we affirm that those affected by substance abuse disorder and overdose are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters who are deserving of love, compassion, and support. And RAS, we are committed to increasing awareness of overdose prevention, reducing prevention.

1:31:04Promoting harm reduction strategies and expanding access to treatment services with a firm belief that collaborative efforts are key to achieving these goals. And RAS, we recognize law enforcement personnel, first responders, medical professionals, and recovery advocates who are doing the critical work on the front lines, working tirelessly to reduce the number of overdose fatalities and provide life saving interventions and connections to care in our community. Community. And whereas, through the approval and support of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, the Opioid Task Force has recommended

1:31:34over $8 million in funding to create and expand initiatives aimed at providing evidence-based tactics that support effective treatment, prevention, and recovery services. And REST several community members and organizations participating in the prevent the prescription drug committee meetings, the recovery rounds, and the government. table meetings and other community gatherings seeking to create partnerships and meet gaps in services encourage all Pasco County citizens to participate in lighting their homes and public buildings in purple to honor those whose lives

1:32:04are lost too soon and in recognize and and in recognition and support of those in long-term recovery. And Ras, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners acknowledges that only together we can strengthen our collaborative effort to combat this crisis in our community. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby declares August 31st, 2024, as International Overdose Awareness Day in Pasco County. Dun and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this twenty-first day of August 2024.

1:32:36Approved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye.

1:32:42Welcome this morning and um we're probably gonna have to be pretty brief, um, but I just wanna say Um thank you for um bringing this to our attention and And I, as I'm sure my fellow board members all know Someone or have a family member that's been touched by this. So um it's very very important that we continue to work on this problem and um very I'm I'm thankful we're getting the opioid money. I'm very sad for the reasons

1:33:12why we We are talking about it today, but um Thank you very much. And if you want to say something brief, thank you,

1:33:19Commissioner. I'm gonna leave it to the people who are actually doing the work on the ground, uh, if they want to say a few words.

1:33:26Try to be quick. Um Pascounty commissioners and officials, I want to express my sincere thanks for recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day. It's of profound significance for our community. This day not only honors the lives tragically lost to overdose, but also marks the beginning of recovery month. Uh a time when we come together to raise awareness, support those in recovery, and and fight against the stigma of addiction. Your acknowledgement today is a powerful testament of your commitment to addressing the epidemic head on. And it brings hope to countless individuals

1:33:57and families who are affected by substance use disorder. As we embark on Recovery Month, it's important to recognize that recovery is more than a journey, it's a movement that is gaining momentum right here in Pasco County. For those commissioners who haven't yet toured the Prevention and Recovery Community Center, which some of you we have sometimes uh scheduled and some have. Um, but if you haven't yet, we extend a warm invitation to the center is called the Always Center. Uh it's right there one block south of Main Street on on US nineteen. Um

1:34:27by recogniz um I'm sorry, this center is a testament of what community and collaboration we can achieve. When we come together with a shared purpose. By recognizing the problem, we can begin to create m meaningful solutions that offer more resources, hope, and opportunities for those striving to reclaim their lives. Together we have the power, the power to transform our community and making Pasco a place where recovery is not only possible, but is celebrated. Thank you for your leadership and for helping to make Pasco County a better, safer, and more compassionate

1:34:57place. Thank you. Thank you. Yes.

1:35:00Good morning. I just wanted to say quickly, my name is Kelly Rodriguez. I'm with Alliance for Healthy Communities. I'm on the prevention side. So as Justin mentioned, we have a prevention and recovery side of that Always Center. We have two coalitions, Pasco ASAP and our Stand Youth Coalition. So we are wrapping in the youth in what we do. We know that the recognition today not only honors those we've lost, but strengthens our resolve to. Provide hope and support to those affected and their children. Addiction does not discriminate. There are brothers, sisters,

1:35:30aunts, uncles, parents, and friends. And by shining a light on this critical issue, you help us move forward with renewed energy and determination. Your leadership ensures that we continue to prioritize this cause and work together towards a future with fewer overdoses and greater community resilience. Thank you.

1:35:47Thank you. Mr.

1:35:50Yeah, so we I'll come down and they'll stand behind and where's the uh it's right here.

1:36:00Oh, there's another one.

1:36:10All right, I have a classes up.

1:36:17So let's I mean after

1:36:20that then I'll let you pass those out again on Well why don't you come stand here in the middle of the pass the right-of-handle

1:36:32and I think I'm coming on my birthday to tour.

1:36:44One more.

1:36:48Thank you.