The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted unanimously in support of the observance of the “Revive Awareness Day.”
The key effort of the proclamation (signed by Commissioner Brad Drake, Chair) is to “champion the widespread availability of opioid antagonists” and work with community-based organizations that work to raise awareness about opioid overdoses. With an effort led by Holly Holt, Administrator and Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Walton County, there have been a number of initiatives launched during the past year to take action against the strong force of opioids and resulting addiction in Walton County.
The most notable and viable defense is the Naloxone (also known as Narcan) Nasal Spray that works as an effective antagonist to the life-threatening impacts of opioids – a major threat to life. The five Commissioners voiced unanimous support for building community awareness and, in their official proclamation, supported Walton County residents’ involvement in community-based organizations, increasing “awareness regarding the hazards of opioids and the accessibility of Naloxone as a mechanism for promptly reversing their effects.”
Online Resource and Assistance Available to Those Battling Opioid Addiction
In her presentation to the BCC, Holt directed those in attendance to visit the Walton County website designed to help those affected by potential opioid overdose and addiction. The website is www.ThePathwayBack.com. At this important online resource, help is available through ‘peer support’ that is ready and willing to talk with anyone who calls or needs assistance. The number to call for support is 844-352-7337. This service is available 24-7.
Naloxone (Narcan) Available Strategically for Emergency Use
Sites for new Locator Boxes were announced at the BCC meeting this week and will be deployed soon (most likely on or around July 4th) at the following locations: Mossy Head Park, Valley View Community Center, Four Mile Creek Landing, Pilcher Park Boat Ramp, and Helen McCall Park. It is important to mention that in the prior story published by Mid Bay News, the Naloxone (antagonist for opioids) is not harmful to those (including children) who are exposed to the (naloxone) drug. Although naloxone is a life-saving drug and a means for saving the life of an individual experiencing an overdose of opioids, it (the drug) does not have a harmful effect if the drug is administered and the individual is not having an opioid overdose.
Holt reported to the BCC that initially, in January, 120 boxes with Naloxone were deployed to the five initial park locations. In February, 58 sites were added due to increased demand for Naloxone. The number to restock in March was 71, and in April, 58. May’s replenishment was the highest with 87. The total number of boxes deployed in 2026 is 394.
Holt added, “Since January, there have been 65 EMS (Emergency Management Service) overdose responses. Seventeen of those individuals were suspected of opioid overdoses. Thirty naloxone administrations were given with a positive effect. There has [sic] been four suspected fatal [opioid] overdoses, … and we’ve received information from our…data bank that the [deceased ages] were 20, 23, 35, and 78.” Holt continued, “We still have things going on in our community, and I want everyone to be aware of that.”
