Press Release | August 27, 2025
Tampa Bay Thrives
MHA AFFILIATE TAMPA BAY THRIVES CALLS FOR STATEWIDE CHANGE
Tampa, Fla. (August 27, 2025) – A new national report from Mental Health America (MHA) released today shows progress in the fight against opioids but underscores urgent challenges still facing Florida.
The study, “The State of Opioid Overdose and Response in the U.S. 2025,” is the first of its kind commissioned by MHA. The report shows that while overdose deaths fell 27% nationwide between 2023 and 2024, Florida ranked just 38th in its public health response.
The lack of response is reflected in more than 1.2 million Floridians who needed treatment for substance use in 2024 but did not receive it.
“Florida has some of the strongest recovery residence networks in the nation,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives, an MHA Affiliate. “But too many people still fall through the cracks when it comes to prevention and access to care. We must turn those gaps into opportunities for change.”
Across the Tampa Bay region, the consequences are visible:
● Fentanyl overdoses continue to flood local ERs, remaining the leading cause of opioid-related deaths.
● Prevention resources like naloxone and fentanyl test strips remain inconsistent in underserved communities, despite being legal and lifesaving.
● Access to care is scarce — nearly 21% of Florida adults (3.6 million people) report they do not have a personal doctor or provider, ranking the state 44th nationally.
Health experts emphasize that consistent access to a provider is critical. Regular screenings can detect risky opioid use earlier, and trusted doctor–patient relationships make people more likely to disclose struggles and seek help.
By the Numbers: Florida’s Opioid Crisis
● Florida ranked 38th nationally for opioid response.
● Naloxone dispensing: 0.4 prescriptions per 100 residents (well below national average).
● Only 65% of Florida youth reported receiving prevention messaging outside of school.
● Approx. 45,000 adults reported using heroin in the past year.
● Florida ranked 2nd nationally in recovery residences, with over 2,000 homes supporting long-term recovery.
About Tampa Bay Thrives
Tampa Bay Thrives is a nonprofit and Mental Health America affiliate, first formed in 2019, with the mission to mobilize the community to strengthen behavioral health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness. To learn more, visit www.tampabaythrives.org
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