During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen reports of an increase in opioid-related overdoses in Florida, affecting some as young as teenagers. In Jacksonville alone, 436 calls of suspected drug overdoses were reported in March—the highest monthly total since tracking began in 2015.
Parents, while we are at home with our children, we should embrace this time and discuss the dangers of drug use. Nearly 60 percent of youth who misuse prescription painkillers get them through friends or relatives.
It is extremely important, now more than ever, that we properly secure any current prescription opioids out of the reach of children, and while National Drug Take Back Day was postponed due to COVID-19, there are still take-back locations operating 24/7 to dispose of unused or expired opioids—ensuring that they stay out of the hands of children.
For a map of locations, resources about how to talk with your children, information on opioid addiction and more, please visit our one-stop statewide resource, DoseofRealityFL.com.
Talk to your kids and take steps to ensure no one in your family has access to prescription opioids they weren’t prescribed. These simple, but important steps, could save your child from a lifetime of addiction. It may even save their life.
Stay safe, Florida.
In The News
Florida Attorney General Joins Bipartisan Group Urging Congress to Fund Broadband, Space Coast Daily
Receiver Takes Over Florida Domestic Violence Foundation Assets, WJCT Public Media
Man arrested after investigation into mortgage fraud that targeted dozens of seniors, WBBH Fort Myers
Ashley Moody busts pharmacy dealing unapproved at-home COVID-19 test kits, Florida Politics
Sarasota Clinic Issuing Refunds For Unapproved COVID-19 Test Kits, WUSF Public Media
As Americans Hope for Second Stimulus Check, Some Risk Mistaking First Payment for Junk Mail, Newsweek
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Secures Refunds and Penalties from Florida Pharmacy Offering At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
Attorney General Ashley Moody recovered thousands of dollars for consumers who purchased purported at-home COVID-19 test kits. Sunshine Community Rx of Sarasota, d/b/a PrecisionMed Pharmacy sent approximately 1,000 text message solicitations to consumers in the Tampa Bay area offering at-home COVID-19 test kits for $85 each. More than 100 consumers purchased the kits, but PrecisionMed neglected to inform consumers that the kits were not approved for at-home use.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “COVID-19 tests are a vital tool in helping Floridians protect their health and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. We must ensure that consumers who are seeking a test aren’t misled or ripped off by products that are not effective or approved for use at home.” Read More
Pinellas County Resident Arrested for Medicaid Provider Fraud
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the St. Petersburg Police Department arrested a Pinellas County man for willfully and intentionally engaging in Medicaid fraud for more than two years. Willie T. Barnes allegedly received more than $15,000 in Medicaid payments for therapy never provided to clients. Barnes is the owner and operator of Barnes Holistic Counseling Therapies Institute located in St. Petersburg.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Defrauding the Medicaid program for personal gain leaves both patients and the program vulnerable. Patients should be able to trust the medical professionals they receive treatment from without fear of being used to scam the Medicaid program and rip off taxpayers.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Joins Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General in Urging Congress to Fund Expanded Access to Broadband
Attorney General Ashley Moody is joining 38 attorneys general in urging Congress to help ensure that more Americans have the home internet connectivity necessary to participate in telemedicine, teleschooling and telework as part of any additional legislation that provides relief and recovery resources related to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans are learning, working and seeking healthcare from home during this pandemic to social distance—making internet access crucial for participation in everyday academic and economic activities.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “With many studying, working and seeking health care from home during COVID-19, internet access is more important than ever before. Congress must act and must act now to help ensure Americans living in rural parts of our country can participate in school, work and other activities vital to our everyday lives.” Read More