HealthStreet Newsletter Issue 111: September 2021

HealthStreet Newsletter: Issue 111
We Need To Talk About Overdose

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest campaign to spread awareness to end overdoses, remember the victims of overdose without stigma and acknowledge and share the grief of victims’ families and friends.

For more information, click here 

THE NATIONAL DRUG EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

The National Drug Early Warning System

The National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) is housed at the University of Florida, and Florida is ranked third in the US for opioid-involved overdoses per 10,000 within the last 30 days. Additionally, Florida leads the nation for the overall count of opioid-involved 911 overdose calls for year-to-date, with 26,299 (data acquired from biospatial, inc). In the past 7 days, nearly one-third (31%) of overdoses that were responded to by 911 calls were among 20 to 39-year-olds; 72% were among persons identified as White. Counties in the state with the highest rates of 911 calls for opioid-involved ODs are shown above. 

NARCAN® SAVES LIVES

NARCAN Saves Lives

NARCAN® Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers – with no medical training required.
HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray.

Recognizing an Overdose
Recognizing an overdose might be difficult. If you are not sure about the person’s medical condition, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always get help immediately, even if the person wakes up, because he/she may relapse into respiratory depression. The use of NARCAN® may result in symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal.
Call 911 or seek medical care for the individual. Do not leave the person alone. Signs of an overdose may include-
○ Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
○ Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
○ Slow, shallow breathing
○ Choking or gurgling sounds
○ Limp body
○ Pale, blue, or cold skin

How to Administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray
HealthStreet partnered with UF Health Emergency Medicine to create awareness about administering NARCAN®. Dr. Henry Young, MD, University of Florida Emergency Medicine Physician, and a Community Health Worker introduce NARCAN® nasal spray- its purpose, how it’s used, how to administer, and potential signs of an opioid overdose.

Click here or on the image below to watch the video-

How to Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray

HealthStreet Event Calendar

HealthStreet Night of Dance Announcement

Community Health Worker Schedule

CHWs provide outreach around the city throughout the week, offering FREE health resources like Deterra™ Deactivation Bags and NARCAN® Nasal Spray kits. CHWs can also let you know which research studies you may be eligible for and can help you sign up to become a HealthStreet member. This Friday, June 4, HealthStreet CHWs and our Clinical Research Vehicle will be at the Melrose Community Center from 12 – 5pm. The Community Center is located at 307 FL-26, Melrose, FL. For more details on the event see here.

Community Health Worker Schedule

If you can’t meet with our CHWs while they are on outreach, always feel free to stop by 2401 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608 We have a clothing and toiletry closet, can provide you with health-related resources, referrals, and more!

Events Calendar

Every month, HealthStreet hosts a variety of services, Community Health Worker outreach efforts, classes, support groups, and events! Check out our May calendar.

HealthStreet March Events

Research at HealthStreet

Interested in participating in research?

Are you a current or past smoker?


Here are a few studies that you can participate in now:

+The Women Helping Women study is evaluating whether community health workers (CHWs) who recruit and partner with community members facilitate lung cancer screenings. Eligible participants must be female, 50-77 years of age, and current or former smokers with a smoking history of 25 pack-years.

Recruitment for the study is ending soon. If you think you may qualify, call 352-294-4873 today.  

+The AIM2ACT study is testing the effectiveness of a smartphone intervention to help control asthma among early adolescents. Eligible participants must be 18-70 years of age and caregivers of at least one child 12-15 years of age who have been diagnosed with persistent asthma.

+The Mind in Motion study is examining how the brain is involved with slowing down as you get older. Eligible participants must be 65 years of age or older, able to walk without assistance, and willing to get an MRI.  

+The Jaw Pain study is studying the effects of alcohol consumption on sensory function in those with chronic jaw pain. Eligible participants must: be 21-45 years of age, have experienced jaw pain for 6 months or more, not smoke, have had at least 1 drink per month over the past 6 months, and be in good physical health.

+The LAMPS study is examining the effects of GABA on sleep quality and chronic pain on older adults. Eligible participants must be 65 years of age or older, have a smartphone, experience poor sleep, and have chronic pain.

If you are interested in hearing about these or other studies, contact our Study Navigator, Sara, at 352-294-4873.

Want to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Get Involved in Cancer Research


Do you or someone you know have cancer? We’d love to talk about opportunities to participate in research. Please share this link to become a member and learn about cancer screenings.

Visit UF Health COVID-19 Vaccination page to find a vaccination location near you. 
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As settlers and guests on these lands we respect the work of these nations, their sovereignty, leaders and families, and aim to make ongoing efforts to center indigenous knowledge, creativity, resilience, and resistance.
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