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Opioid addiction pilot program approved by Jacksonville City Council

Opioid addiction is an epidemic lawmakers say is sweeping the country and now the Jacksonville City Council directing $1.4 million to deal with the drug issue.

The 6 month pilot program, which was expedited and approved by council, funnels opioid addicted patients to a partnering ER until they’re medically stable.

The patient would then be connected to a recovery peer specialist and treatment options.

“It has become a pandemic and it’s not just in Florida, it’s all over the country,” said Florida Senator Bill Nelson.

In May, Action News Jax was with Senator Nelson when he toured a Jacksonville NICU where babies are battling opioid addiction.

Duval County ranks second in the state for number of babies born dependent on opioids.

“If you get rid of the federal Medicaid money, where in the world are we gonna have the money to help these mothers and to help these addicted children?” asked Nelson.

The city hopes the pilot program, which is available to 100 people a month, can help curb that need.

Healthcare specialists say this plan is being considered for state and national treatment models. They hope to have the program up and running with in the next two months.