The SPOT Equips Spring Breakers with Life-Saving Tools Amid Rising Fentanyl Risks

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As thousands of spring breakers descend upon South Florida, The SPOT is once again taking to the beaches to help keep young people safe. With fentanyl-laced substances and drink spiking on the rise, The SPOT is distributing free naloxone (Narcan) and drink covers while educating visitors on overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Last year, The SPOT's team distributed over 9,000 doses of naloxone to beachgoers, empowering thousands of young people to act as first responders in overdose situations. This year, the initiative aims to reach even more spring breakers by increasing its distribution goal to 10,000 doses, ensuring critical resources are in the right hands before a crisis occurs.

"Many spring breakers don't realize that substances they use could be laced with fentanyl," said Emelina Martinez, Safe Syringe Exchange Services Manager for The SPOT. "Our goal is to put even more naloxone in their hands this year because a single dose can mean the difference between life and death."

In addition to naloxone, The SPOT will provide free drink covers to help prevent drink tampering at parties and bars. The team will also offer harm reduction education, equipping young people with the knowledge they need to stay safe and make informed decisions.

While overdose deaths are declining, fentanyl-laced substances remain a serious threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 72,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2023, with fentanyl as the primary driver. Access to harm reduction tools like naloxone remains more critical than ever.

The SPOT is Broward County's only approved Syringe Services Program, operating as a mobile harm reduction and medical unit under Care Resource's Behavioral Health Department. Beyond Spring Break, The SPOT provides essential harm reduction supplies and basic medical care, connecting individuals to specialized services offered by Care Resource.

Unlike other public health initiatives, The SPOT does not receive government funding for harm reduction services. The program relies on private donors and organizations, including Care Resource, United Way, Gilead Focus, The Fishman Family Foundation, and the late Dr. Peter Cinelli, to continue its life-saving work.

"Our ability to provide these critical resources depend on community support," said Dr. Thomas Smith, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Care Resource and The SPOT. "Every donation helps us distribute more naloxone and harm reduction supplies to those who need them most."

For more information about The SPOT, to request naloxone, or to report an overdose reversal, please visit thespotbroward.org, call 954-566-SPOT (7768), or email TheSPOT@careresource.org. Weekly schedules are posted on Instagram (@thespotbroward) and Facebook (The SPOT Broward).

About The SPOT:
The SPOT is a mobile medical clinic and outreach program operated by Care Resource, providing no-cost harm reduction resources and medical services to communities in need. Through education, prevention, and support, The SPOT aims to make a positive impact on public health and safety.

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SOURCE Care Resource