Florida Department of Health Observes Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day

Contact:
 Communications Office
 [email protected]
 850-245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Health observes Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, reminding residents of the risks of fentanyl. On May 23, 2025, the Florida Legislature handed House Bill 259, establishing this present day as a state particular observance to advertise consciousness and schooling on the risks of fentanyl and potential overdoses.

Fentanyl is an artificial opioid. Its results are 50 occasions stronger than heroin, and 100 occasions stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is often present in avenue medicine equivalent to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Drug sellers additionally use fentanyl to imitate prescription drugs equivalent to Percocet, OxyContin, Xanax, and Adderall. Because fentanyl is almost unimaginable to detect by sight, style, or scent, many customers are unaware they’re consuming it, placing them susceptible to lethal overdose. Always assume any capsules, liquids, or powdered substances you didn’t get straight from a pharmacy or dispensary could include fentanyl.

Fentanyl continues to threaten communities throughout Florida, contributing considerably to overdose charges statewide. In recognition of this rising public well being disaster, the Department is working alongside state and native companions to extend prevention, increase entry to naloxone, and equip Floridians with the data to avoid wasting lives.

How to Prevent an Overdose

• Lead with Empathy: Substance use dysfunction is complicated and requires care, connection, and group for restoration. Encourage individuals to hold naloxone, search sources for assist, and join with family members and friends to help of their restoration.
• Learn the Signs of Overdose and Carry Naloxone: Recent analysis has proven that entry to naloxone does not enhance the chance to make use of opioids like fentanyl. 
• Talk to Loved Ones About Substance Use Disorder: With extra fentanyl within the drug provide, opioid overdoses and deaths have risen lately. Have common, open, non-judgmental, and compassionate conversations with family members – even when not sure they’re utilizing.
• Talk to your physician about easy methods to appropriately take opioid prescriptions and ask about non-opioid drugs for ache administration, if you need another.

Signs of an Overdose

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or shedding consciousness
• Slow, weak, or not respiration
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold or clammy pores and skin
• Discolored pores and skin, particularly lips and nails
• Limp physique

What to Do if You Think Someone is Overdosing

If you think somebody has overdosed, name 911 instantly. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if out there, lay the particular person on their aspect to forestall choking, and attempt to preserve them awake and respiration till emergency help arrives.

How to Get Involved

Floridians can go to a County Health Department for useful resource assist, together with free entry to naloxone (Narcan).

About the Florida Department of Health

The division, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to guard, promote and enhance the well being of all individuals in Florida by built-in state, county and group efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For extra details about the Florida Department of Health please go to www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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