The Florida Medical Examiners released new statistics this week highlighting a decrease in drug-related deaths. Opioid-related deaths declined by 10 percent and overall it appears Florida is moving in the right direction.

While this is encouraging, far too many people continue to die from drug abuse in our state. We must do more to stop the national opioid crisis ravaging Florida. According to the just-released annual report, 5,576 opioid-related deaths were reported in Florida in 2018—down by more than 600 lives from the year before.

Broken down, that means an average of 15 people die every day from opioid abuse in our state. Exacerbating this crisis is the influx of deadly fentanyl. Although opioid-related and overall drug deaths decreased, deaths caused by fentanyl rose by more than 30 percent.

These statistics are important for tracking progress in the fight to end the opioid crisis, but we can never lose sight of the fact that these numbers represent lives. These are Floridians with mothers and fathers, many are parents themselves leaving behind orphaned children.

They are Florida families and this crisis is ripping them apart.

That is why I am working through my office, and as Chair of the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse, to end this crisis and save lives. It is why I urged Floridians to participate in last month’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and it is why I launched a website, DoseofRealityFL.com, with a map of take-back locations open daily. This site also provides a one-stop shop of information about opioid addiction and other great resources.

This statewide resource is just one weapon in our fight to end the opioid crisis. While I’m glad the death rate is falling, I will not let up on our tireless efforts to end this crisis. Please join us in this fight. Working together, we can build a stronger, safer Florida.