LARGO, Fla. — U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined native legislation enforcement to talk about the opioid crisis on Tuesday.
According to the CDC, fentanyl is now the main explanation for demise for Americans ages 18 to 45.
Senator Scott introduced his Stop Fentanyl Package Act, a six-pronged invoice that gives state, native and federal businesses instruments and assets to combat the crisis.
Senator Scott mentioned the proposed legislation would enhance the federal authorities’s response to the crisis.
The legislation would enhance grant alternatives to legislation enforcement and would elevate the Office of National Drug Control Policy Director to cabinet-level place.
“It’s going to allow the Department of Justice to issue grants to law enforcement agencies and communities with high rates of drug overdoses to better trace criminals, train officers to identify overdoses and upgrade essential systems for tracing drugs and processing samples in forensic laboratories,” mentioned U.S. Senator Rick Scott.
Law enforcement from throughout the Tampa Bay space joined the dialogue, together with Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis.
“Since 2019, here in Pinellas about 1,300 people have died from opioid deaths,” mentioned Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “Since 2019 to date, there were over 8,000 Narcan administrations by EMS in Pinellas County and the sheriff’s office,” he added.
Clara Reynolds, President and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, mentioned the middle took greater than 200 calls in July associated to opioid dependancy.
“For the month of July, we took 234 calls specific to opioids. Many of those individuals are struggling with a variety of issues not just their opioid addiction,” mentioned Reynolds.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers drug and alcohol therapy and prevention referrals to native suppliers in Florida, 24 hours a day, one year a 12 months. If you or a beloved one is combating drug or alcohol abuse/misuse, please name 211 or dial 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
For extra information on how to search assist go to Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.