FL Governor Designates June 6 Revive Awareness Day

On April 8, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed State Bill 66 into law and designated June 6 as Revive Awareness Day in Florida. This state bill is referred to as “Victoria’s Law” in memory of Victoria Siegel who died from an accidental opioid-related overdose on June 6, 2015. 

Since then, Victoria’s parents founded Victoria’s Voice, directing their focus, resolve, and efforts on increasing awareness and access to naloxone—the opioid overdose reversal drug.

As part of SB 66, Florida’s Department of Health is “encouraged to hold events to raise awareness of the dangers of opioid overdose and the availability and safe use of opioid antagonists as an effective way to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose.”

Fentanyl and the Need for Naloxone

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal sprays (Narcan and Rivive), opening the door for greater availability of this easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

The FDA has already seized millions of fentanyl-laced pills in 2024. Alarmingly, the percentage of seized pills containing a lethal dose of fentanyl has increased to 7 in 10 pills. 

The gravity of this statistic is demonstrated by the sheer number of fatalities from fentanyl and other synthetic opioid-related overdoses in the United States. Across the country, 150 lives are lost every day from synthetic opioid-related overdoses. 

In Florida, according to the most recent Medical Examiners Commission Interim Drug Report, fentanyl is the drug that caused the most deaths. With a higher risk of being exposed to a deadly dose of fentanyl, it is more important than ever to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and have naloxone available for use.  

Where to Find Naloxone in Florida

By approving OTC sales of naloxone nasal sprays, local pharmacies and other stores can carry this life-saving medication. Such stores include:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• Walmart

While pricing varies depending on the brand of naloxone and the store, according to the Department of Florida’s website, multiple locations in Hillsborough County offer free naloxone to the public. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., these locations include:

• Specialty Care Center | 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd.
• University Area Health Center | 13601 N. 22nd St.
• Sulphur Springs Health Center | 8605 N. Mitchell Ave.
• Tuberculosis Center | 8515 N. Mitchell Ave.

To receive a free naloxone kit at the above locations, you must meet certain criteria:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
• Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose

There are also several organizations that provide free naloxone to the public besides the state health department. 

Anyone can—and is encouraged to—purchase and/or carry naloxone. In situations of accidental overdose, having naloxone available can mean the difference between life and death.

Please don’t wait until June 6 to learn more about how naloxone can save lives. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, effective treatment is available. 

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River Oaks Treatment Center is a drug rehab near Tampa that provides several levels of addiction treatment. From medical detox to outpatient programming and sober living, our team of expert clinicians customizes treatment plans to meet the needs of each individual.

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