2023 International Overdose Awareness Day

In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month, the USAO-MDFL, the DEA, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and local community partners gathered at the Valencia College School of Public Safety to present the film Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict. The film screening was followed by a discussion where panelists shared their experiences as they work to combat the opioid epidemic. The panel was moderated by USAO Community Outreach Specialist Khalilah Escalera and featured Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Daniels, DEA Supervisory Special Agent Helen Bruso, and representatives from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Lotus Behavioral Health, and an area resident. The event drew approximately 50 participants and was hosted by the Central Florida Reentry Network whose mission is to increase interagency collaborations and effectiveness of reentry systems throughout the Central Florida area. Various substance abuse and behavioral health resources were available onsite for the attendees.