Care Resource and Community Leaders Discuss Awareness & Treatment

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In February 2020, Care Resource hosted a Community Connections event focused on opioid use disorder in Broward County. The event brought together community leaders, nonprofit organizations, government representatives, and local partners to discuss awareness, prevention, and treatment strategies.

Community Connections is a discussion series that encourages collaboration around local challenges and community-driven solutions. During this event, participants explored ways to address the growing impact of opioid use disorder throughout the region.

Understanding the Opioid Crisis

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Steve Glassman discussed the public health challenges associated with opioid use disorder. According to data cited during the event, an estimated 2.1 million Americans experienced opioid use disorder in 2016 and 2017. More than 47,000 opioid overdose deaths occurred nationwide during that period.

Glassman also highlighted efforts taking place at the local and state levels. These initiatives focused on education, prevention, treatment, and recovery support for individuals and families affected by opioid use.

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State and Local Response Efforts

Event participants discussed the work of Florida’s Opioid Abuse Working Group. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody led the 21-member task force following its creation in 2019. The group worked to identify strategies for addressing opioid misuse and its impact on communities throughout the state.

Speakers also highlighted a CDC-funded Overdose Data to Action initiative. The program supported prevention and treatment efforts through partnerships among state agencies, local health departments, and community organizations. Broward County participated in those efforts.

The Role of Overdose Prevention

Community leaders discussed the importance of Narcan Nasal Spray in overdose response efforts. Emergency responders throughout the community used Narcan to help reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and improve survival outcomes.

According to data presented during the event, Broward County emergency rooms treated 1,642 opioid overdoses in 2017. Community health leaders credited overdose response measures, including Narcan, with helping save lives.

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Medication-Assisted Treatment and Recovery

At the time of publication, Care Resource offered Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of its approach to opioid use disorder treatment. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral health support. This model helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while supporting long-term recovery.

Care Resource also provided additional supportive services, including case management and employment assistance. These services helped address factors that may affect an individual’s recovery journey.

Thomas Smith, Ph.D., LMHC, LMFT, MCAP, Director of Behavioral Health Services at the time, discussed the importance of identifying underlying issues that may contribute to substance use disorders. The goal was to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Supporting Whole-Person Health

In 2019, Care Resource treated more than 300 patients through its opioid use disorder program. Approximately 70 percent remained engaged in care at the time of this report. Patients also received HIV and hepatitis testing and treatment when appropriate, helping address related health conditions that often accompany substance use disorders.

This integrated approach focused on both recovery and overall wellness. Care Resource aimed to connect individuals with the medical, behavioral health, and support services needed to improve health outcomes.

Looking Forward

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, government agencies, and residents. They noted that lasting progress requires prevention efforts, education, treatment access, and strong community partnerships.

The Community Connections event highlighted the collective commitment to addressing opioid use disorder and supporting recovery throughout Broward County

For media inquiries, please contact Jonathan Welsh, Director of Marketing and Communications at jwelsh@careresource.org.