Polk County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) observes Revive Awareness Day on Thursday, June 6, 2024, and reminds residents that naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Floridians can find naloxone for their community through ISaveFL.com (link opens in new window) or by calling DOH-Polk at 863-519-7900.

DOH-Polk offers naloxone (Narcan) at the following locations:

Signs of an Overdose

All Floridians need to know the signs of an overdose, which include:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak, or not breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and nails
• Limp body

What to Do if You Think Someone is Overdosing

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately.

Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep them awake and breathing until emergency assistance arrives.

What is the HEROS Program?

The Florida Department of Health’s Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support (HEROS) program provides naloxone to emergency response agencies throughout the state. Any Florida agency that employs licensed emergency responders may apply to the HEROS program online.  

If You or a Loved One Need Help

The Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network is the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to eliminate the stigma of addiction and treat substance use disorder as a disease, with the same level of continuous care. Floridians battling with addiction can utilize CORE for stabilization and to receive medication assisted treatment from a network of specialized medical experts that will help guide them on a sustained pathway to healthy success. Evidence shows medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces the risk of fatal overdose by over 50% (link opens in new window) and supports long-term sobriety. The CORE Network has placed nearly 50% of opioid use disorder patients on MAT. The national average is less than 20%.  

To find help and resources, please visit the CORE Network website(link opens in new window). 

Spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, “The Facts. Your Future.” campaign focuses on supporting students statewide to ensure they receive prevention instruction and encouragement to protect and maintain their health, avoid substance misuse, and discourage risky behaviors so they can thrive and flourish for life. This campaign is an interactive approach to ensure students are informed and can make safe decisions as they grow.

To find more information, please visit “The Facts. Your Future.” website(link opens in new window).

A public health and safety alert (link opens in new window) was also deployed by the Florida Department of Health on July 8, 2022, to ensure Floridians remain vigilant of the signs of overdose. Poster materials are available.