91. Addressing Our Nation's Opioid Epidemic

In this episode, FSA addresses the issue of our nation's opioid epidemic. The number of drug overdose deaths increased more than 16% from 2020 to 2021, and last year over 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. To help solve this problem, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma has established a holistic approach, and he and his team shared their insights during a panel discussion during the Major County Sheriffs of America's Fall Conference. After the panel discussion, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Rodger Handberg, and Captain Sammy Gibson of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office discussed the steps they are taking to prevent and reduce the number of opioid deaths in central Florida. ________________________________________ Thanks for listening to FSAcast.  Listen to every episode at flsheriffs.org/fsacast.  Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.  Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.  About the Podcast FSAcast is the official podcast of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Host and FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan talks with Florida's sheriffs, elected officials and law enforcement professionals from across the country about issues that matter to Florida residents, visitors and FSA's more than 125,000 members. Explore the full episode archive at flsheriffs.org/fsacast.  Stay Current on Issues During Florida's Legislative Session During Florida's legislative session, FSAcast runs a weekly special series hosted by Allie McNair, FSA Director of Government Affairs, covering the bills and policy issues shaping law enforcement statewide. Track legislative developments at flsheriffs.org/legislative.  About the Florida Sheriffs Association Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association has been the leading voice of Florida's sheriffs, dedicated to protecting citizens and visitors across the state. FSA is committed to fostering the effectiveness of the Office of Sheriff through leadership, innovative practices, legislative initiatives, education and training. Learn more about FSA's mission at flsheriffs.org/about.  Support Florida's Sheriffs Membership dues and donations fund the training, resources and advocacy that keep Florida's sheriffs' offices equipped to serve their communities. Join, renew or donate to stay connected and support law enforcement across Florida.  Sponsor This Podcast Want to put your organization in front of FSA's members and the Floridians who follow what's happening in law enforcement statewide? Learn about sponsorship opportunities at flsheriffs.org/advertise.  Subscribe to FSAcast Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Pandora | iHeart Radio | RSS | YouTube