First, I want to thank each and every one of you for making this year’s Annual Leaders’ Luncheon to End Overdose a resounding success. It truly takes an entire community, not only to pull together a stellar, sold-out event, but also to move the needle on intrenched crises like the opioid epidemic. And, each of you are doing your part…which is why we are beginning to see a reduction in the number of opioid overdose deaths — for the first time in our region since 2016. This is good news indeed.
But while reducing deaths — or, keeping people alive — is essential, it is the essential first step in stemming this behavioral health crisis. This is why Live Tampa Bay and our partners are helping connect survivors of overdose to treatment, to recovery services, to recovery housing and employment, and to community. As Johann Hari famously said, “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety – it’s connection.”*
Human connection is important to all of us. None of this work would be possible without your partnership, your work, and your advocacy. In many ways, the luncheon is not only a way to raise awareness about this crisis and to destigmatize recovery, but also a way to extend our gratitude to you. As part of giving thanks, I hope you enjoy this newsletter and the highlights from this year’s luncheon.
Yours in Service,
Jennifer Webb
*Hari, J. (2016). Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs. Bloomsbury Publishing.