The Opioid Challenge in Broward County
Broward’s Opioid Challenge
Broward County faces a formidable challenge in the form of a significant rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and support.
In 2021 there were 623 reported opioid-related overdose deaths. This sobering statistic reflects a critical public health concern, highlighting the devastating impact of opioids on our community. To address this challenge, The SPOT emerges with a comprehensive approach that includes robust harm reduction strategies, increased access to treatment, and community-wide education to suppress the rise of opioid-related fatalities in Broward County.
HIV and Hepatitis C
- Broward has one of the highest rates of
new HIV diagnoses in Florida with 570
individuals diagnosed in 2021. - Hepatitis C cases in Broward surged from
1.3 per 100,000 in 2016 to 5.8 per 100,000 in 2021.
Individuals who inject drugs have an exponentially higher risk of contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, skin infections, and infections of the heart. As many struggling with opioid addiction turn to heroin and fentanyl infections climb — The SPOT’s SSP is key to preventing these tragedies.
The U.S. Opioid Epidemic
The U.S. Opioid Epidemic is a major health challenge affecting our country. The surge in opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses, impacts individuals, families, and our local communities. The widespread availability of prescription painkillers, coupled with the influx of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has fueled an alarming increase in addiction rates and overdose fatalities. According to the CDC over 105,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in 2022.
The U.S. Opioid Epidemic
The U.S. Opioid Epidemic is a major health challenge affecting our country. The surge in opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses, impacts individuals, families, and our local communities. The widespread availability of prescription painkillers, coupled with the influx of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has fueled an alarming increase in addiction rates and overdose fatalities. According to the CDC over 105,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in 2022.
A Care Resource Program
The SPOT Fund
The SPOT’s mission is sustained by the generosity of community members and organizations. Contributing to The SPOT Fund directly supports crucial initiatives, including the provision of new syringes, the development of educational and outreach materials, and the smooth operation of our mobile clinic. A donation is an investment in the health and well-being of our community, making a tangible difference in harm reduction, education, and accessibility to essential services.