The Alachua County Opioid Task Force recently announced the launch of a countywide awareness campaign aimed at addressing the dangers of opioids and the growing impact of fentanyl in the community.
The campaign, which runs from Sept. 8 through August 2026, highlights a stark reality: “1 in 7 pills can kill.” This statistic references the point that one in seven pills not prescribed by a doctor are believed to be laced with deadly opioids or fentanyl.
According to a press release, children in Alachua County are often introduced to drugs as early as fifth grade. Research shows that if a child becomes addicted to opioids, they have less than a 10% chance of long-term recovery.
Funded through opioid settlement funds, the campaign includes billboards, public service announcements and a website for resources and “is designed to raise awareness, provide prevention resources and encourage families to talk openly with their children about the risks of opioids,” the release said.
Community members are encouraged to visit HopeAlachua.com for prevention resources, safe medication disposal locations and guidance on how to talk with children about opioids.
The Alachua County Opioid Task Force brings together leaders from throughout the county, reflecting a united front against the opioid epidemic. Task force members include:
- Tristan Grunder, Mayor of High Springs
- Jiana Williams, Mayor of Micanopy
- Kathy Penny, Commissioner, City of Archer
- Jennifer Ringersen, Commissioner, City of Alachua
- Jordan Marlowe, Newberry City Manager
- Bryan Eastman, Commissioner, City of Gainesville
- Joy Glanzer, Community Leader, Newberry
- Anna Prizzia, Commissioner, Alachua County