Casey DeSantis announces $58 million grant to combat opioid abuse

During a press conference at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, First Lady Casey DeSantis, who was flanked by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, DCF Secretary Chad Poppell, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, has announced that a new $58.8 million federal funding grant to counter opioid abuse and to create a Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Statewide Prevention Coordinator position to help guide pregnant women who are struggling with opioid addiction.

Mrs. DeSantis has all-but taken the reigns on the opioid issue, become somewhat of the state’s spokesperson and chief advocate in the effort to eradicate opioid addiction.

According to the Governor’s Executive Office, “a three-year Overdose Data to Action grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will pump $58.8 million of new funding into prevention and treatment initiatives led by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local stakeholders.”

 The grant was awarded to DOH and focuses on county health departments in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties. Broward and Palm Beach Counties are considered hubs for the out of control opioid addiction crisis in Florida.

“Florida has made a lot of progress in addressing the crisis of opioid abuse,” said First Lady DeSantis. “That is because our Governor has made it a priority and because so many dedicated health and substance abuse professionals are committed to finding meaningful ways to help those fighting the tragic consequences of this deadly drug.

“We are putting the emphasis on the outcomes, we are not chasing dollars, we are chasing towards how can Floridians live happy, healthy, productive lives. From a fiscal perspective, it means a lot to the bottom line of Florida to have people who are productive

It’s the right thing to do, to be able to help people who need, whatever they can get in times of suffering.”- Casey DeSantis

“I am proud of the First Lady’s devotion to this issue and the collaborative partnerships she is building to push for action and results, and I am grateful to the Department of Health for securing this crucial funding on behalf of Florida families and communities struggling with this crisis,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.