AGRITOXINS

📉 Positive Progress, But Continued Action Needed

We’re encouraged to see the latest federal data showing that drug overdose deaths have continued to decline through most of 2025, marking the longest sustained drop in decades. Estimated overdose fatalities decreased from about 92,000 to around 73,000 in the 12-month period ending August 2025 — roughly a 21% drop compared to the prior year.

While experts aren’t pointing to a single cause, the research suggests that a multitude of strategies, expanded treatment access, harm reduction efforts, public awareness, and wider distribution of naloxone, are contributing to this encouraging trend.

🎥 We discussed how these efforts, including everyday people carrying the opioid-reversal medication Narcan (naloxone), are making a difference in saving lives.

➡️ Watch the segment to learn more about what’s working and how communities can continue the fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXDW2-qVrwI

📞 Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222 — available 24/7 for free, confidential guidance.

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🐛 It’s Florida’s puss caterpillar season, and these fuzzy insects are no joke.

They may look soft and harmless, but the puss caterpillar (larva of the Southern Flannel Moth) delivers one of the most painful stings in North America. Just brushing against its venomous spines can cause intense burning, swelling, nausea, and even difficulty breathing.

🧠 Poison prevention tips
✅ Teach children not to touch unfamiliar insects, even if they look “cute”
✅ Wear gloves when gardening or clearing outdoor debris
✅ Seek medical help if stung, symptoms can escalate quickly
✅ Call the Help line at 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7)

📍 These caterpillars are most active in fall and often found on oak, citrus, and shade trees across Florida.

Thank you Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Florida's Poison Control Centers and Dr. Jemima D. Desir Douge for providing poison education to our youngest students and their parents! What a fun evening of community learning!