Meridian is thrilled to share we have been awarded over $500,000 in Opioid treatment and prevention funding through Lutheran Services Florida (LSF.) Between the years 2005 and 2014, the rate of opioid-related ED visits increased 99.4 percent in the United States. The Northeast Region of Florida, the region served by Meridian, experiences significant levels of opiate abuse and addiction; with Dixie County ranking the highest in the state for overdose deaths and Bradford County ranking seventh. In response to these statistics, LSF released funding to each region in the State of Florida as a strong effort to decrease opioid abuse. $460,000 in treatment funds, as well as an additional $70,000 allocated for prevention services, was awarded to Meridian alone. Treatment funds will be used for integration with emergency rooms to divert patients affected by opioid addiction into treatment; resulting in reduced mortality and cost. Meridian has also proposed expanding medication assisted treatment by adding outpatient detox services. Prevention funding will be utilized in middle schools in Gilchrist and Dixie County, where opioid use is commonly acknowledged among students; and implemented July 1. For more information on our Medication Assistance offerings visit our information page by clicking here or call 352-374-5600

Meridian Awarded Funding Necessary to Combat Opioid Abuse

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