05/20/2021
The tragic deaths of several young adults in our midst from accidental drug overdoses not only devastates their families and breaks our hearts, it diminishes our community and calls us to action.
Pik’uach Nefesh, the obligation to save a life in jeopardy, is a fundamental Jewish value. And there are many lives, young and old, at risk from the insidious disease of substance abuse.
Florida drug overdose deaths in 2020 increased 43 percent over 2019, according to a Project Opioid report based on statewide data. The societal effects of the pandemic and the pervasive practice of lacing street drugs with Fentanyl, making them more potent and lethal, have fueled this crisis.
The first step is raising awareness and recognizing that substance abuse is likely a much bigger problem than we acknowledge in our Central Florida Jewish community because we are reluctant to talk about it.
Get the word out, post this flyer on your social media. Encourage your friends to join us if they might have an interest.
Register Here
A Program For Everyone
Individuals, families with children, middle
schoolers, teenagers, college students, adults
Join us for this no charge event
No one is excluded
WHAT?
The event will be a panel discussion that represents every perspective of substance use. The Panel will include:
Sheriff Leema from Semionle County
Houston Spore from Project Opioid
Michal Osteen
Jonathan (Jay) Lebron
Dr Biff Kramer
WHERE?
Live at the JCC Orlando Auditorium
851 N Maitland Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
The program will also be available virtually thru Zoom.
WHEN?
On May 27th. The program will run from 7:00 pm thru 8:30 pm
WHY?
Accidental overdose has reached epidemic proportions. This tragedy has only been exacerbated by the isolation necessary for COVID-19 quarantine and lockdown restrictions.
As a Jewish community, we feel it is our obligation to start the conversation, and begin helping the lives that are being destroyed due to substance use.
Statistics show us that in the next several years it is likely someone in your inner circle will be affected by an overdose situation. How will you recognize the signs? Who will you discuss this with? If you are concerned who will you turn to for help. We will answer these questions and more during our panel discussion.
Narcan Distribution
Narcan is a life saving antidote for an opioid overdose and you can do no harm administering Narcan. There is now a law allowing non-clinical personnel to administer Narcan without any liability. Narcan will be distributed by Project Opioid at the event at NO CHARGE. For those on Zoom the free doses can be attained through their website at Projectopioid.org.
Register Now
MEET OUR B’RI’UT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PANEL
Speakers
Sheriff Dennis Lemma
Sheriff Dennis Lemma
Sheriff Of Seminole County
Sheriff Lemma has made the opioid crisis a top priority
Houston Spore
Houston Spore
Director of Community Relations for Project Opioid
Houston is a former user dedicated to preventing overdose deaths
Jonathan Lebron
Jonathan Lebron
Adolescent Life Coach
Jonathan Lebron is a recent University of Florida graduate, adolescent life coach and recovering addict.
Michal Osteen
Michal Osteen
Retired Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Michal lost her son Ari, 29, to accidental Fentanyl poisoning last year
Dr. B.N. “Biff” Kramer
Dr. B.N. “Biff” Kramer
Podiatric physician and surgeon in the greater Orlando area
Dr. B.N. “Biff” Kramer, well-known Orlando podiatrist who has been a congressional staffer, a political activist, a leader in his medical profession, a lecturer on drug and alcohol abuse awareness, and active in Narcotics Anonymous. He has been a person in recovery for 40 years.
Moderator
JFS’ Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes
JFS’ Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Qualified Clinical Director
Ashlyn will be moderating the discussion on substance abuse
Register Now
B’ri’ut Membership
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
The Roth Family Jewish Community Center
Temple Israel
Congregation Beth Am
Congregation of Reform Judaism
Congregation Ohev Shalom
The Jewish Pavilion
The Holocaust Center
Several Chabad houses
The Jewish Academy of Orlando
Hillel UCF
Jewish Family Services
Project Opioid
Rosen Jewish Community Center
Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation
