ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — More than 100,000 people die nationwide each year from drug overdoses. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also ranks Florida second in the country for overdose death rate.

In the Tampa Bay region, the Recovery Epicenter Foundation is trying to bring those numbers down by distributing Narcan to businesses along beaches in Pinellas County just in time for spring break.

This is the second year in a row staff have made this push, an effort that seems to have paid off. According to the organization, preliminary numbers for 2023 show that while overdoses in both Pinellas and Pasco Counties still followed the rising national trend, the number of deaths plateaued.

Peer outreach specialist Andy Francis said businesses have really been receptive, a sign they are chipping away at the stigma that sometimes comes with having the medication on site.

“It’s always encouraging, honestly. Because I think more people are becoming aware of how much this is needed,” Francis said.

The Recovery Epicenter Foundation will be distributing Narcan in Pinellas County beach communities every Tuesday and Thursday from now until the end of April.