VIDEO: Senator Moody Urges Floridians to Join Fight to End the Opioid Crisis by Participating in National Drug Take Back Day

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Following news that fentanyl deaths in Florida have fallen more than 60 percent since 2023, Senator Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to remain vigilant to ensure the state continues to reduce drug deaths. Senator Moody is asking Floridians to help keep prescription medications from falling into the wrong hands by participating in National Drug Take Back Day tomorrow. On National Drug Take Back Day, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hosts drop off locations nationwide where anyone can drop off unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication, to help save lives.

"Working with Governor DeSantis, we have taken strategic actions that have led to a 60% decline in fentanyl deaths in Florida since 2023. To keep the rate headed in the right direction, I am asking all Floridians to look in your medicine cabinet and take any unused or expired prescription medications to drop-off locations across the state tomorrow on National Drug Take Back Day. Doing this simple action can help ensure these medications don't fall into the wrong hands," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• National Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• On the last Take Back Day in April 2026, Floridians safely disposed of 23,250 pounds of medications. VisitDEA.gov/TakeBackDay to find a drop-off location nearby.
• According to the recent Florida Medical Examiners Commission's 2025 Annual Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report, fentanyl-caused deaths decreased by 37% from 2024 to 2025. Additionally, Florida saw a 50% decrease in fentanyl analog deaths, 33% decrease in opioid-caused deaths, and a 12% decrease in total drug-related deaths overall.
• Florida's decrease in fentanyl-related deaths outpaces the national drop of 22%.

• As Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.
• While serving as Attorney General, Senator Moody also demanded Biden classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and declare Mexican drug cartels smuggling fentanyl into the country as terrorist organizations. President Trump declared drug cartels terrorist organizations on Day One.
• As Attorney General, Senator Moody created Dose of Reality Florida and Fast Facts on Fentanyl to help Floridians learn about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and opioid use.
• The Helping Heroes program was also created to provide free naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal-medication, to law enforcement and first responds across the state.
• Under Senator Moody's leadership during her time as Attorney General, Florida's drop in fentanyl deaths outpaced the national average drop in deaths and Florida became a national leader in anti-fentanyl efforts.

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