BACK THE BLUE: AG Moody Recognizes Jacksonville First Responders for Using Naloxone Provided by Helping Heroes Program to Save Infant

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today recognized eight members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for saving the life of a seven-month-old infant from a fentanyl overdose. Two officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrived on scene first, reviving the infant through targeted sternum rubs before rushing the baby to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. There, the team administered naloxone, provided through Attorney General Moody's Helping Heroes program.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Our first responders are the front-line defenders in the battle against the opioid crisis. The quick-thinking displayed by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department team members saved a baby's life. This action highlights the importance of equipping all first responders with the tools they need, such as naloxone, to combat the devastating epidemic-and I am grateful that our Helping Heroes program played an impactful role in this life-or-death situation."

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said, "These officers' quick and decisive actions undoubtedly saved this baby's life. Each day, our officers are faced with life-or-death situations, and they selflessly act to protect the lives of the citizens that they are sworn to protect. I am proud of these officers for this lifesaving act, but also for their daily dedication to a life of public service."

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief of Rescue Jake Blanton said, "The Attorney General's Office, via the Helping Heroes Program, supplies JFRD with our entire inventory of naloxone. In the past year, we've administered that naloxone to approximately 3,000 patients. In addition to these patients who received a direct benefit from this life-saving medication, our budget has also benefited. The cost savings from not having to purchase the naloxone ourselves allows us to continue equipping our units with the necessary equipment and medications to best serve the medical needs of our community."

According to JFRD, more than 10% of the department's budget went toward purchasing naloxone until the Helping Heroes program allowed the organization to obtain the life-saving drug free of charge. The impact of the program is clearly demonstrated in this life-saving incident, where first responders required the drug to save an infant's life. To learn more about the program's creation, click here.

The near-tragic incident underscores the ongoing dangers posed by the opioid crisis, particularly the threat of fentanyl-a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths across Florida and the nation. The 2022 Florida Medical Examiners Report shows that fentanyl took the lives of nearly 600 Jacksonville residents, two under 18 years old. Nationwide, more than 100,000 Americans die each year due to drug overdoses-with most caused by fentanyl.

To inform Floridians about the dangers of opioid misuse, Attorney General Moody developed Dose of Reality Florida. This resource contains information about how to receive support for addiction and where to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. To learn more about Dose of Reality Florida, click here.

Floridians struggling with addiction can find treatment options by using the Treatment Atlas tool. To learn more, visit TreatmentAtlas.org.

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