Resolution for International Overdose Awareness Day

45:50Okay. Yeah. Okay. Is anyone in here for um International Overdose Overdose Awareness Day in Pasco?

46:03Okay. Do you want me to read the full thing or by title only? Uh let's read the full thing. Okay. So uh resolution number twenty three dash wait, sorry, wrong glasses, can't see. Resolution number 23173, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring August 31st, 2023 as International Overdose Awareness Day in Pasco County. Whereas the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

46:34as a time to remember without stigma those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. And whereas the theme for this year's campaign is recognizing those people who go unseen. And whereas community members resolved to play a role in reducing the number of overdoses in Pasco County, which suffered 1,510 overdoses last year alone, 289 of those which were fatal. And

47:04whereas the community is encouraged to treat substance abuse disorder as a chronic health condition and not a moral failing. And whereas we affirm that the people affected by overdose are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and are deserving of love, compassion, and support. And whereas we commit to remain strong in support of public education and engagement on overdose awareness and prevention. And whereas we recognize the people

47:34on the ground who are doing the critical work to help prevent more overdose fatalities. And whereas we take this day to remember those that have lost their lives to overdose. Ensure their memory lives on, and inspire the community to make every day another opportunity to save a life from overdose. And whereas the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Addition.

48:00Recovery Epicenter Foundation. The Hope Shot and the entire recovery community encourage all Pasco County citizens to participate in lighting their homes and public buildings in purple to honor those whose lives were lost too soon, and in recognition and support of those in long-term recovery. And whereas the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners acknowledges the harm and hardship caused by overdose deaths. Now,

48:30therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said Board hereby declares August 31st, 2023 as International Overdose Awareness Day, done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present in voting this 22nd day of August 2023.

48:53Motion.

48:54Move approval. Second. Second.

48:58All right, District One, Commissioner Oakley. Aye. District two, Commissioner Weightman. Aye. District three, Commissioner Starkey. Aye. District four, Commissioner Bradford. Aye. District five, Chairman Mariano.

49:10Aye. I think we've all been touched uh by someone, friends, family with a with an overdose of some point. Um even abuse just kind of ruined a lot of lives. Um I'm glad to see we've got more focus, more money coming in uh to go fight the battle. And it is is is a very important battle to fight every step of the way. Um I recently just had surgery last week. And as this was going on, I was taking actually a Purco set. To deal with some pain

49:40that was just going on, just a bit a little bit lingering. And it's the only one I've taken, and back to Tylenol. But I think it's something that everybody needs to be conscious of. Um minimize taking any of these pills whatsoever if you can. Uh just not not good for your and the the addiction rate is from what the US Attorney General told us when we were in DC a few years back, it's it can affect anybody at any time. So um Paula, would you like to speak a little more what's going on?

50:06Well, so I just wanted to thank you, commissioners, for your support of recognizing this important day and also the lives of the people who have been lost to this uh terrible disorder. Um Like you said, it doesn't really discriminate. Um, it impacts everyone. Um, but I think it's also a good opportunity to shed light on hope. And the individuals who day by day fight, so to speak, in the trenches to save lives of the citizens of Pasco County, primarily our first responders and

50:36also our grassroots organizations, and specifically the recovery community, like ASAP, the Hope Shot, and Recovery Epicenter Foundation. So with that um I would like to just close with um it can impact anyone and and we're grateful that you're here supporting us and making sure that our youth is more aware of the potential dangers of not just fentanyl but other illicit substances in our community.

51:06Okay. J J you want to add anything?

51:12I just would add. that the uh the fire department is doing a great job in partnership with uh Paula and all of our community partners. There's so many people in the fight. I'd like to thank the firefighters who were here, the programs that they started, the partnership with the committee. That you're on and that you form. There's a lot of leadership who are stepping up and and making an impact and Mike, your support across the board. This

51:42isn't a one-person fight. I mean, this is the board and the staff and the community groups. The government can't do it alone. So I would just like to thank everybody, especially my team that's that's out there every day going out there and

51:57Yeah. And Chief Perez, would you like to come forward and say a few words?

52:01Mm-hmm.

52:02And we'll bring everybody up after we do a picture down in front?

52:08Good morning, Council. I do want to acknowledge the Mobile integrated health team. It's commission. I'm sorry, what I said. Councils in Tampa. I'm sorry. My apologies. Take two. Start over. Chief, this is morning commissioners. My apologies. That would never happen again.

52:27Your first time up here, isn't it,

52:29Chief? Yes, it is publicly. But uh I do want to acknowledge our mobile integrated health team. Mm. Uh paramedic Monroe. and primatic uh slager uh trager, excuse me. They have made such a positive impact in our community. and touching so many residents. and and providing resources to help them overcome this addiction. So I I really Um I'm truly proud of them. I'm proud of the staff back here, Chief

52:59Coleman. uh Chief Gwynn when this all started back in July of twenty twenty two. They started gathering information, how was it gonna work? and then it was implemented today in November of twenty twenty two and it really, really took off January first. And continue continue to touch so many residents in such a positive way. And we're gonna, as J J said collectively We're gonna lead from the front. And we're gonna overcome. And really End this

53:29crisis just gonna take a team effort, all hands on deck, and we're all for the challenge up for the challenge. So thank you again, all the commissioners, and the support moving this forward.

53:38Okay, thank you. So I look have everyone from the fire uh fire and E MS come on up forward. Uh Chief, you as well, JJ, we'll do a picture right up in here.

53:45Commissioner, if I may, before we take the picture, we have a member of Recovery Foundation Epicenter, Amy Hicks, who would like to share some words about the

53:54Excellent. Come on up, Amy.

53:57Good morning. Um on behalf of Recovery Epicenter Foundation. I would just like to thank everyone here today for their efforts to recognize the lives lost through overdose and the grief of those left behind. As we continue to see the effects ravage our communities like we did last week, events such as this one help raise awareness and reduce stigma so others can freely speak out about their experiences and we can identify um needed opportunities for further education and support. So I just want to thank you all for coming together today to support these um initiatives.

54:25Can I can I ask you what your organization is?

54:27Recovery Epicenter Foundation. We are a community um organization in support of persons with substance use disorder and their loved ones.

54:35Okay,

54:35great.

54:36Anyone else, Paula? Yeah.

54:39Yeah. Justin McBadden from the Hope Shot as well.

54:45Mm-hmm. Good morning, uh ladies and gentlemen of the Board of County Commissioners. I stand before you today to emphasize the crucial significance of recognizing international overdose awareness uh And day in Pasco County. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the global epidemic we face, one that claims countless lives, destroys families, and leaves lasting scars on our community. Recognizing this day enables us to shed light on the importance of vital resources in our community, such as educational programs, prevention initiatives,

55:15treatment options. and uh recovery support services. It encourages us to foster environment understanding, empathy, and support. for those on the path to recovery, reducing stigma and promote inclusive inclusivity. Together we let us take a firm stance against opioid uh epidemic, sending a powerful message to the of hope, resilience, and unity by recognizing this day in Pasco County. We demonstrate our commitment to saving lives, supporting

55:45our community, and creating a future free from devastating grip of addiction. And thank you on behalf of the Hope Shot, ASAP Coalition, and the Board of Directors for your time. and recognizing this important day. Together we take we can make a difference, bringing a pot about positive change and a brighter tomorrow for all in Pasco County. Thank

56:06you. And Alex, you want to say anything?

56:11That's why I I didn't want to get you flat footed. Well come on up, let's get in the picture.

56:17Uh. Uh so let's go let's go forward. Maybe the board stays up here because we've got so many people down there.

56:23Oh very

56:24good.

56:24Yeah.

56:34We're standing. Yeah, you guys are standing outside.

56:40That's true. Oh, you won't behave unless you're up here.

56:50These two guys go take care of the move over those to try and get back.

57:08Right term kind of like that for whatever.

57:25Yeah.

57:38Thank you all very much.

57:46What?

57:48Oh,

57:49yeah. Yeah.