Manatee County Recognized as State's Top Performer in Efforts to Reduce Opioid-Caused Deaths
According to DCF, Manatee County experienced a 56% reduction in opioid-caused deaths during the 2023-2024 evaluation period.
"This recognition reflects the strength of our community partnerships and the dedication of those working to support recovery," said Commissioner Amanda Ballard. "We are encouraged by the progress and remain committed to helping connect people with the resources they need."
One example of that collaborative approach is Manatee County's Community Health team, which operates the county’s CORE Network. The specialized team consists of health professionals and dedicated outreach workers who conduct rapid, face-to-face outreach to individuals in the critical hours following an overdose.
Receiving direct referrals from 911 emergency calls, the team bridges the gap between crisis and long-term stability by facilitating warm handoffs to trusted local treatment providers such as MCR Health and Centerstone. By providing direct support, helping residents navigate the healthcare system and coordinating essential resources, these workers remove the traditional obstacles to entering recovery.
"Meeting people where they are is at the heart of what Community Health does," said Thu Le, Health Information Service Manager. "Whether someone needs treatment, peer support or other resources, our goal is to help connect them with the services that can make a difference."
The county's Overdose Prevention and Education Program (OPEP) has also expanded overdose prevention efforts throughout the community. The program provides peer support, conducts training for residents, businesses and organizations, and distributes free naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Between 2023 and 2025, OPEP distributed more than 8,000 units of naloxone while also working to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and recovery.
Additional recovery efforts include partnerships with other agencies and organizations such as Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, which provides long-term residential recovery opportunities for selected participants, and Under One Roof in Bradenton, a recovery housing initiative supported through local allocations of opioid settlement funding and federal HUD and ARPA resources.
Manatee County will receive a total of $500,000 in funding through the CORE Network. The award includes $200,000 distributed to each of Florida's 10 highest-performing counties, along with an additional $300,000 for being recognized as the state's top-performing county. The funding will support continued recovery, prevention and outreach efforts throughout the community.
The recognition highlights the impact of a coordinated, community-wide approach to addressing substance use disorder and expanding pathways to treatment, recovery and long-term stability for Manatee County residents.
For residents seeking help, resources or free naloxone training, please visit mymanatee.org/healthreferral or contact the Manatee County Community Health program at (941) 744-3951.
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