BROWARD COUNTY, FL - At a community press conference at the Urban League of Broward County yesterday, Broward County, along with partners from law enforcement, the medical community, public schools, faith-based community, and the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse announced a collaborative initiative to take aim at the growing dangers of Flakka, a synthetic, highly addictive drug that is wreaking havoc throughout Broward County. 

In response to the growing epidemic of Flakka usage, the partners have launched a public education and prevention campaign to inform and protect the public from the growing threat. Key to its message is that Flakka kills. The drug can be recognized by presenting symptoms that include excited delirium, agitation and paranoia. 

Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan described the situation in Broward County by stating "Synthetic drugs, especially Flakka have been pouring into South Florida, making it an epicenter for this growing national problem. These drugs are a challenge for our schools, our healthcare system and law enforcement, and they're taking a toll on families here in Broward who have lost loved ones to these drugs," said Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan.

Dr. John Cunha, Emergency Services at Holy Cross Hospital, highlighted the rapid rise in the number of Flakka emergency room cases. "I see cases of Flakka every day in the emergency room. This weekend I treated two myself. The patients are very agitated and the main thing we're seeing is extreme paranoia," said Dr. Cunha. 

Broward County's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Craig Mallak confirmed a substantial acceleration in the number of people dying from Flakka. "We've had sixteen deaths since September from this drug alone and it's killed three this month already. Flakka is by far the most dangerous and deadly drug in the bath salt category we've seen thus far."  Bath salts is the name given to a family of drugs that have one or more manmade chemicals related to the amphetamine-like stimulate Cathinone.

Flakka has had a profound impact on emergency response and law enforcement personnel. "The dangers surrounding Flakka require a unified response. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can, through education and enforcement, to prevent a deadly encounter," Sheriff Scott Israel said. 

A community outreach action plan is well underway. Some of the ongoing efforts of this campaign include: 

• Broward County Public Schools have received educational information and are working with teachers and administrators to get the message to students

• Cross training continues between law enforcement, medical providers and public defenders to establish protocol and best practices of emergency response

• Training, support and resources will provide outreach to the homeless population, which is disproportionately affected by Flakka 

• A speakers bureau is being assembled and members will be available to make presentations to community agencies and faith based organizations 

Every resident of Broward County can have a role in confronting this challenge:

• If you need treatment, more information, or would like to have someone talk to your organization about Flakka and other synthetic drugs, call 2-1-1 or visit 211-broward.org. 

• If you are in the need of medical treatment because of a synthetic drug, or see someone who is exhibiting signs of drug use, including excited delirium or hallucinations, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Do not try to subdue anyone who is high on this drug. 

Officials believe it is vital that the community continue the conversation about substance abuse in Broward County. A community leader panel will be held on June 17th at the Broward County Convention Center to coordinate the response of the healthcare community to this challenge. The Behavioral Health Conference is sponsored by the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition. 

For more information, www.drugfreebroward.org.