Statewide
Secretary Harris Announces Enhancements to CORE
CORE Network to include Law Enforcement Integration and Performance-Based Incentives
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced enhanced programming for the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network featuring the integration of law enforcement and performance-based incentives aimed at improving network outcomes. Law enforcement officers often have the first interaction with individuals contending with a substance use disorder. This enhanced partnership offers an additional resource for officers who are on our front lines working to help keep our communities safe and connecting those in need with available resources.
The Department announced $3.1 million available for incorporation of trained law enforcement officers as key partners in the CORE Network. These officers will receive crisis intervention training in substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD), equipping them to more effectively identify and assist individuals struggling with substance abuse.
“CORE’s innovative approach to addressing the opioid crisis has delivered life-saving results for Floridians and their families. Overdose deaths have decreased, and more individuals are receiving the treatment they need,” said Department Secretary Shevaun Harris. “By rewarding high-performing counties, we are fostering innovation and accountability, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals and their families. Further, with the integration of law enforcement, CORE will provide a critical support to communities, reaching broader populations, and delivering timely interventions that will save more lives.”
Law enforcement officers, often the first responders to overdoses, will play a crucial role in connecting individuals to the CORE Network, increasing community awareness, and providing timely interventions. This integration ensures a comprehensive approach to SUD and OUD recovery, with intentional collaboration across multiple agencies.
Another major enhancement to the CORE Network is the introduction of a CORE Incentive Program to enhance access to substance use treatment and reduce opioid deaths. The incentives will be disbursed with a performance-based model, ensuring that the providers who are the most engaged and highest performing counties will be rewarded. This model incorporates metrics such as client satisfaction, community satisfaction, stakeholder collaboration, and engagement.
Starting in program year 2024-2025, $2 million will be allocated annually to reward the top 10 performing counties with an additional $200,000 each. Additionally, the county with the highest percentage decrease in opioid-caused deaths will receive an extra $300,000 annually.
Launched by Governor DeSantis in 2022, CORE is the first network of its kind in the U.S. designed to tackle substance use – such as opioid use, alcohol, fentanyl and prescription drugs, among other substances – through a comprehensive, long-term treatment that goes beyond preventing or treating overdoses. Unlike other programs that focus solely on overdose intervention, CORE integrates first responders, hospital emergency departments, and treatment facilities to provide a sustained pathway to recovery. The network is coordinated through the Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, and the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Since its inception, the CORE Network has contributed to a statewide reduction in overdose deaths and a 3% decline in emergency medical service responses related to suspected opioid overdoses. Additionally, nearly 64% of the 28,344 individuals who have been served at a CORE receiving clinic, have received medication-assisted treatment.
A statewide marketing campaign is being launched to ensure Floridians struggling with OUD and SUD, as well as their loved ones, are aware of this valuable resource and how they can seek help. The campaign will educate audiences on how they can be connected to addiction treatment, peer support, and long-term recovery resources now. The campaign will include statewide advertising, community outreach events, and partnerships with local organizations to maximize its reach and impact.
For more information on CORE Network and resources available, visit flcorenetwork.com.
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