First Meeting of Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse Convenes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chair of the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse, today convened the first meeting of the 21-member group. The task force will examine the effects of the National Opioid Crisis in Florida and work to identify strategies to improve opioid treatment, prevention and law enforcement interdiction efforts. The task force convened for the first time this morning at the State Capitol in Tallahassee.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Combating the National Opioid Crisis that is claiming 17 lives a day in Florida is crucial work, and the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse is an important weapon in this battle to stop substance abuse and save lives. From my very first day in office, I have made ending this crisis a top priority, and as Chair of this vital task force, I take seriously the responsibility of identifying proven strategies and innovative ideas that we can implement across our state.

“This is a colossal challenge, but I believe working together we will curb the destruction this crisis is causing and help Florida families heal. I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for establishing the statewide task force and asking me to lead this talented team of experts on this critical mission.”

To watch the task force’s first meeting, click here.

As chair of the task force, Attorney General Moody is leading the 21-member team with a focus on researching and assessing the nature of opioid drug abuse. The task force will also develop a statewide strategy to identify best practices to combat the opioid epidemic through education, treatment, prevention, recovery and law enforcement efforts. The task force will then present its findings to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Bill Galvano and House Speaker Jose Oliva.

Governor DeSantis issued an executive order earlier this year creating the task force and naming Attorney General Moody chair.

To view the executive order, click here.

Attorney General Moody launched a new statewide resource ahead of today’s task force meeting to help Floridians join in the fight to end the opioid crisis. Dose of Reality is a one-stop shop of information about opioid addiction and resources for businesses, caregivers, educators, medical professionals, parents, seniors, service members, students, veterans and others.

To visit the site, click here.