Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D – West Palm Beach) announced today the passage of his bill HB 39 through the Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee. This bill would mandate the presence of emergency opioid antagonists in Florida College System institutions and state universities.
The bill, which was passed with bipartisan support, requires each institution to have a supply of emergency opioid antagonists in clearly marked locations within certain residence halls or dormitory residences. In addition, the bill mandates that these emergency opioid antagonists are easily accessible to campus law enforcement officers who are trained in the administration of these life-saving drugs.
“Today, we take a significant step forward in our fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Representative Edmonds. “By ensuring that opioid antagonists are readily available on college campuses, we can save countless lives and prevent untold suffering. This bill is an essential tool in our efforts to protect the health and safety of Florida’s students.”
Representative Edmonds’ bill addresses the growing concern of opioid overdoses on college campuses across Florida. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid overdoses have become a leading cause of death among college-age students, and the presence of opioid antagonists has been shown to save lives in emergency situations.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the Florida House and Senate for their support in passing this important legislation,” said Representative Edmonds. “Together, we are taking concrete steps to protect our young people and ensure a healthier future for our state.”
