Okaloosa County’s POST program: A Proactive Response to the Opioid Crisis

In response to a concerning rise in opioid-related deaths,Okaloosa County,Florida,launched the Post Overdose Support Team (POST) program. This initiative aims to provide immediate support and connect individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose with crucial treatment options.Recent data indicates the program is yielding positive results,offering a potential model for other communities facing similar challenges.

The Opioid Crisis in Okaloosa county

In late 2023, statistics revealed that Okaloosa County ranked among the top seven counties in Florida for opioid deaths [1].Police Chief Robert Bage noted the county’s per capita overdose rate exceeded that of larger metropolitan areas like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami. The Medical Examiner District 1, encompassing Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, held the highest per capita death rate statewide.

Introducing the POST Program

Inspired by the Drug Abuse Response Team (DART) program piloted in Daytona Beach, Chief Bage spearheaded the development of the POST program. within six months of conception, the program was fully operational, demonstrating a rapid and effective response to the growing crisis.The POST program focuses on immediate outreach following a non-fatal opioid overdose, typically after the administration of an overdose reversal drug like Narcan.

How the POST Program Works

Within 24 to 72 hours of a reported overdose reversal, a three-person team – comprising a law enforcement officer, a paramedic, and a clinician from Bridgeway – conducts a home visit. This team offers immediate access to a range of available drug treatment programs within Okaloosa County. According to Larry C. McFarland, chief clinical officer at Bridgeway, the in-person contact within this critical timeframe is a key component of the program’s success.

Program Results: July 2024 – june 2025

between July 2024 and June 2025, the POST team completed 202 visits, resulting in contact with 114 individuals who had experienced an overdose. Of these contacts,49 individuals subsequently entered into treatment. Notably, the team also connected with 108 friends and family members of those affected, with 8 of those individuals also seeking treatment.

Breakdown of treatment enrollment among those directly contacted:

• 27 enrolled in behavioral health programs
• 9 chose faith-based recovery programs
• 13 inmates enrolled in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) through the county jail

Addressing the Root Causes and Future Sustainability

Local officials recognize that the opioid crisis is a long-standing issue within Okaloosa County, exacerbated by the influx of fentanyl. While previous efforts focused on curbing prescription drug abuse, there was a lack of comprehensive addiction treatment services. The POST program aims to address both the immediate crisis and the underlying issues contributing to substance use.

The program is currently funded through the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE), established through the Florida Opioid Settlement. Bridgeway is exploring options for sustaining the program beyond the initial funding period, including volunteer support from partner agencies and securing choice funding sources to maintain 24/7 availability and on-site medication-assisted treatment initiation.

Looking Ahead

The POST program represents a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing the opioid crisis in Okaloosa County. With a focus on immediate support, connection to treatment, and community education, the program is not only saving lives but also offering individuals a pathway to a brighter future. The success of the POST program demonstrates the potential for collaborative,community-based initiatives to combat the devastating effects of opioid addiction.

Publication date: 2025/09/05 23:04:43

Okaloosa County’s POST Program: A Rapid Response to the Opioid Crisis

In response to alarmingly high rates of opioid-related deaths, Okaloosa County, Florida, launched the Post Overdose Support team (POST) program. This initiative aims to provide immediate support and connect individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose with crucial treatment options. Early data indicates the program is yielding positive results, offering a potential model for other communities grappling with the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The Opioid crisis in Okaloosa County

In late 2023, statistics revealed that Okaloosa County ranked among the top seven counties in Florida for per capita opioid deaths [1].Police Chief Robert Bage noted that the county’s rate of overdose deaths exceeded that of larger metropolitan areas like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami. The Medical Examiner District 1, encompassing escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, held the highest number of deaths per capita statewide.

The POST Program: A Proactive Approach

Inspired by the Drug Abuse Response Team (DART) program piloted in daytona Beach, Chief Bage spearheaded the implementation of POST. The program’s core strategy involves contacting individuals within 24 to 72 hours of an opioid overdose reversal – typically following the administration of Narcan. A dedicated three-person team, comprised of a law enforcement officer, a paramedic, and a clinician from Bridgeway, conducts these visits.

“Regardless of where you are in Okaloosa County, you’ll have a knock on your door from a 3-person team… We’ll then offer you any drug treatment program available readily in Okaloosa County,” explained Chief Bage.

Program Results and Impact (July 2024 – June 2025)

between July 2024 and June 2025, the POST team completed 202 visits, resulting in contact with 114 individuals. Of those contacted, 49 individuals entered into treatment programs. Notably, the team also connected with 108 family members and friends of those who overdosed, with 8 of those individuals subsequently entering treatment.

The types of treatment programs utilized by those connected through POST include:

• 27 individuals enrolled in behavioral health programs.
• 9 individuals chose faith-based recovery programs.
• 13 inmates enrolled in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) through the county jail.

Addressing the Root Causes and Future Sustainability

Officials attribute the high rates of opioid-related deaths in Okaloosa County to a long-standing history of drug use, exacerbated by the influx of fentanyl. Dr. Beth Smith of the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County emphasized that the problem is not unique to the area, stating, “We’re not immune regardless of what our community is… It impacts people of all aspects of life. We’re never immune to that.”

Positive trends are emerging,with Okaloosa County no longer ranking among the top seven counties in the state for opioid deaths,and a statewide decrease in opioid-related deaths has been reported [1].

The POST program is currently funded through the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE), established by the Florida Opioid Settlement. Bridgeway is exploring options to sustain the program beyond the initial funding period, including volunteer support from partner agencies and securing alternative funding sources for ongoing MAT initiation services.

Looking Ahead

The POST program demonstrates the potential of a rapid, in-person response to opioid overdoses. By connecting individuals with immediate treatment options and support networks, Okaloosa County is not only saving lives but also fostering long-term recovery and a brighter future for those affected by the opioid crisis. Continued community education and outreach efforts will be crucial in maintaining momentum and addressing this ongoing public health challenge.

Publication Date: 2025/09/05 23:04:43