Project Opioid Tampa Bay

Description

While the global pandemic has dominated our lives for the past year, it has quietly been fueling the opioid epidemic. More than 1,200 people died of opioid deaths in Tampa Bay in 2020 according to early estimates, marking a 36% increase since 2019.

Leaders from across the region are asked to join in launching Project Opioid Tampa Bay, a new initiative that will convene top leaders in the region to develop and execute strategies to reduce opioid deaths in our community.

How does Tampa Bay compare to the rest of the state and the nation? Who is becoming addicted and fatally overdosing? What are the economics of opioid addiction? What evidence-based solutions exist today to save lives? How can I join this initiative? Learn the answers to these questions and more at the Project Opioid Tampa Bay Virtual Launch.
 
About the Event
Join Governor Ron DeSantis and Pat Geraghty, President/CEO of GuideWell, to discuss what the opioid epidemic looks like in our state and region. You will hear from expert panelists, regional leaders, and individuals impacted by this epidemic.
 
Eye-Opening Data
As always, the Tampa Bay Partnership promotes projects firmly steeped in research and Project Opioid Tampa Bay is no different. They’ll share the top takeaways from their preliminary assessment - The Pandemic within the Epidemic: Tampa Bay's Opioid Crisis.
 
Important Insights
Statewide leaders will discuss the impacts of the opioid epidemic across Florida and statewide efforts to reduce overdose, death, and addiction. Key researchers will take a closer look at best practices across multiple sectors and discuss what can be done to save lives and reduce addiction.
 
Challenging Assumptions
If these strategies are to be effective, the community must push back against preconceived notions to understand precisely who is overdosing and who is dying in our communities. These trends in the opioid epidemic may surprise you.