REPORT: 35 Percent Increase in Florida Opioid-Related Deaths in 2016 Compared to 2015

By  //  November 20, 2017

22 percent increase in drug-related deaths

The Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons annual report showed a 22 percent increase in drug-related deaths and a 35 percent increase in opioid-related deaths in 2016 compared to 2015.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons annual report showed a 22 percent increase in drug-related deaths and a 35 percent increase in opioid-related deaths in 2016 compared to 2015.

“Nearly every Floridian has been impacted by substance abuse in one way or another, and the opioid epidemic continues to claim and destroy lives at an exponential rate,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

“Today’s report shows the grave reality of Florida’s opioid epidemic, and I applaud Governor Scott for declaring a state of emergency in response to this crisis and his leadership in proposing aggressive measures to combat opioid abuse.”

Click here to read the Medical Examiners Commission Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report.

Commissioner Putnam is a Republican gubernatorial candidate and recently hosted an “Up & Adam” Grassroots Breakfast event as he visited That Little Restaurant on Wickham Road in Melbourne.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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