JFRD sees decrease in opioid overdoses, but advocates still urge caution despite falling numbers

Jacksonville first responders are seeing fewer overdose 911 calls, but advocates advise that people should still remain cautious.

The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department has been saving lives from deadly drug overdoses during the opioid epidemic.

Data from JFRD showed the “number of suspected opioid related overdose patients by year” is on track to be its lowest in at least the last seven years.

Mark Braddock, a business owner in Jacksonville who started his business after his brother died from an overdose.

“I lost my brother from an oxycotin overdose. Even though the numbers are trickling down, the dangers are still rising up,” Braddock said. “Fentanyl is way too easy and way to accessible to make.”

Braddock was going to fashion design school and found his brother after he overdosed.