FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— A new website, dashboards.mysidewalk.com/okaloosa-county-fl-opioid-dashboard, designed by Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) and mySidewalk, gives Okaloosa County residents insights into the complexities of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) that are affecting our community.

At no time in recent history has attention to the root causes of health been so critical. This comprehensive assessment takes the conversation beyond SUDs and outcomes and explores the relationship between environments, behaviors, illness and length of life. The graphs and maps are available for public download, and all of the data is exportable in multiple formats.

Some compelling findings include:

1. The drug overdose rate has increased significantly in Okaloosa County since 2013, after staying relatively flat during the previous decade. This follows closely with statewide and national drug overdose rate trends.
2. Emergency Naloxone prescriptions are more likely to be administered in the Fort Walton Beach area, specifically in the zip code 32547.
3. The Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) rate in Okaloosa County has fluctuated in recent years despite growing steadily between 2014 and 2018. The NAS rate in the County, however, remains well-above the statewide average.

For more information contact HealthyOkaloosa@flhealth.gov or call 850-344-0662.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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