Since opening in March 2024, Discover & Recover has focused on creating a safe, welcoming, and healing environment where people can find hope, connection, and practical resources. At the heart of the organization’s work is a simple belief: recovery is possible—especially when education, community support, and access to services are within reach.

Over the past two years, Discover & Recover has become a place where people don’t have to navigate recovery alone. The organization provides peer recovery support services, helping individuals connect with someone who understands the journey and can offer encouragement, accountability, and guidance. It also offers community support linkage, connecting people to local resources and services that can strengthen recovery and stability.

Another key part of Discover & Recover’s outreach is Narcan training and distribution. By teaching community members how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, the organization is helping reduce stigma while increasing awareness and readiness across St. Johns County.

Brock Birtolo, Project Lead at Discover & Recover St. Johns County, shared that the anniversary is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing need for recovery support.

Two years ago, we opened our doors with a commitment to meet people where they are and provide a supportive environment where individuals and families can find the help they need, Birtolo said. Substance use disorder affects all walks of life, and our goal remains the same: to be a source of education, support, and hope—and to demonstrate that lives can be saved through what we do, including Narcan training.

As Discover & Recover enters its third year, the organization encourages community members, partner organizations, and anyone seeking support to learn more about available services and how to get involved.

Discover & Recover St. Johns County is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 3501 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite C2, Saint Augustine, FL 32084.

To learn more, visit  https://discoverrecover.org/  or call 386-569-7930.

Alcohol is legal and widely accepted, which can make it easy to overlook when it’s becoming a problem. For some people, drinking stays occasional and manageable. For others, it slowly begins to impact sleep, mood, relationships, work, finances, or health. And because alcohol misuse doesn’t always look like “rock bottom,” many individuals and families live with stress and uncertainty for a long time before reaching out.

When to pay attention:

Everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few common signs that alcohol may be taking up too much space:

• Drinking more often or more heavily than intended

• Needing alcohol to relax, sleep, cope, or “take the edge off”

• Feeling irritable, anxious, or low when not drinking

• Hiding or downplaying how much you drink

• Missing responsibilities, withdrawing from loved ones, or feeling disconnected

• Loved ones expressing concern—even if you don’t agree

If any of these feel familiar, Alcohol Awareness Month is a good time to ask a simple question: Is alcohol helping me build the life I want—or getting in the way of it?

For families: you’re not alone

Alcohol use affects more than one person. Families often carry the emotional weight—worry, frustration, fear, and sometimes guilt. If you love someone who is struggling, it’s okay to seek support for yourself too. You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Recovery is possible—and support makes a difference

At Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (OARS), we provide education, support, and peer services to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Peer support is powerful because it’s grounded in lived experience—real people who understand what it’s like to face hard days, rebuild trust, and take recovery one step at a time.

Whether you’re questioning your own relationship with alcohol, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more, we’re here to help you find clarity and connection.

A small step is still a step

Alcohol Awareness Month isn’t about labels—it’s about awareness, safety, and hope. If you’ve been thinking, Maybe I should talk to someone, consider this your sign.

Reach out to Flagler OARS to learn about support options and resources. You deserve support, and recovery is possible.

On Feb. 11–12, Flagler OARS hosted a free, comprehensive two-day training on Supervision of Peer-Based Recovery Support Services at SMA Healthcare in Bunnell. The goal was simple and powerful: strengthen the local recovery workforce while removing a major cost barrier that often keeps people from advancing in the field.

By the end of the training, 19 participants graduated and earned 11 continuing education units (CEUs). That’s a meaningful credential for both current and aspiring peer supervisors—especially considering that comparable trainings can cost about $1,500 per person. For many, that price tag can be the difference between “maybe someday” and “I can do this now.”

The training focused on the real-world skills peer supervisors need to support both clients and peer professionals. Topics included:

• Integrating peer support into multidisciplinary teams

• Supporting peer roles in person-centered planning

• Cross-cultural supervision

• Ethics and professional boundaries

• Self-care, wellness, and sustainability in recovery work

The program was led by Ed Johnson, a licensed professional counselor and addiction counselor supervisor, who guided participants through practical supervision strategies and the responsibilities that come with leading peer-based services.

This event was also a strong example of what can happen when a community rallies around recovery. Flagler OARS partnered with multiple organizations to make the training accessible and successful. SMA Healthcare provided the training space. The Recovery Village and WhiteSands Treatment sponsored food for attendees. Community Coalition Alliance supported CEU processing. The Opioid Response Network coordinated the event and covered the trainer cost—estimated at $3,000—helping ensure participants could attend at no cost.

Flagler OARS provides education, support, and peer services to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. For many in Flagler County, it serves as a steady recovery harbor—offering hope, connection, and resources when they’re needed most.

If you feel called to support this work, donations help Flagler OARS continue offering programs that reduce barriers and strengthen recovery across our community. You can donate at  https://secure.qgiv.com/for/flaopearmrec .

In the fight against opioid overdoses, Narcan (naloxone) stands as one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives. Yet despite its proven effectiveness, myths and misconceptions continue to prevent people from carrying and using this life-saving medication. Let’s explore why Narcan matters and address the dangerous myths that persist.

The Local Reality: Our Northeast Florida Community

The opioid crisis isn’t just a national problem—it’s affecting our neighbors right here in Northeast Florida. The numbers tell a story of both challenge and hope:

Flagler County: According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Flagler County experienced 30 overdose deaths in 2023, up from 28 in 2022.

District 23 (St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler Counties): In 2024, there were 54 deaths involving fentanyl, down from 80 in 2023—a 33% decrease that shows community intervention efforts are making a real difference.

While Florida has seen a 26% decline in opioid-related deaths statewide from 2023 to 2024, and District 23 Medical Examiner Dr. Wendolyn Sneed reports that all three counties in our region have experienced declines in overdose deaths, every single life lost still represents a family forever changed, a community member we could have saved. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.

Why Narcan Matters

Narcan is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. When someone overdoses on opioids—whether prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl—their breathing slows or stops entirely. Narcan works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing within minutes.

The statistics are clear: Communities with widespread Narcan access see significant reductions in overdose deaths. This medication doesn’t just save lives in the moment—it gives individuals another chance at recovery, another opportunity to connect with support services, and another day with their loved ones.

Who Should Carry Narcan?

The answer is simple: anyone. If you or someone you know uses opioids, you should have Narcan available. But it’s not just for people who use substances. Family members, friends, coworkers, and community members can all play a role in preventing overdose deaths.

Debunking Dangerous Myths

Myth #1: “You can get high from Narcan”

The Truth: This is absolutely false and scientifically impossible. Narcan has zero potential for abuse because it produces no euphoric effects whatsoever. In fact, Narcan does the exact opposite of opioids—it blocks opioid receptors rather than activating them. There is no “high” to experience. Narcan only works if opioids are present in someone’s system, and even then, it simply reverses the overdose. If you give Narcan to someone who hasn’t taken opioids, nothing happens. This myth is particularly dangerous because it may cause people to hesitate in emergency situations or avoid carrying Narcan altogether.

Myth #2: “Narcan enables drug use”

The Truth: Narcan saves lives, period. Research shows that Narcan availability does not increase drug use. What it does do is provide a safety net that allows individuals to survive long enough to seek help. Recovery isn’t possible if someone doesn’t survive their overdose. In our three-county region alone, having Narcan readily available has contributed to the 33% decrease in fentanyl deaths we’ve seen from 2023 to 2024.

Myth #3: “Using Narcan is complicated and requires medical training”

The Truth: Narcan is designed for anyone to use, even without medical training. The nasal spray version is as simple as spraying into one nostril. You cannot harm someone by administering Narcan, even if they’re not experiencing an opioid overdose. As Lauren Ramirez from Salus Medical Training explains, “As soon as you put that into their nostril, it releases the opioid from their brain receptor.”

Myth #4: “Narcan makes people violent when they wake up”

The Truth: While some individuals may experience confusion or withdrawal symptoms when Narcan reverses an overdose, violent reactions are rare. The person administering Narcan should give the individual space and wait for emergency services to arrive. The temporary discomfort is far better than the alternative.

Myth #5: “One dose of Narcan is always enough”

The Truth: With the prevalence of fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids in Northeast Florida, multiple doses of Narcan may be necessary. The 54 fentanyl-related deaths in our region in 2024 underscore how powerful these substances are. This is why it’s important to call 911 immediately, even after administering Narcan. Emergency responders can provide additional doses and medical care.

Myth #6: “Narcan is expensive and hard to get”

The Truth: Right here in Flagler and St. Johns Counties, free Narcan is readily available. Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services provides free Narcan kits and training to anyone who wants them. We also offer free Narcan distribution kiosks—The Barney Naloxone Stand—for local businesses in Flagler County. We deliver, install, and keep them full at no cost. In St. Johns County, DiscoverRecover provides similar services. Pharmacies across Florida allow you to obtain Narcan without a prescription.

Myth #7: “If someone needs Narcan, they’re beyond help”

The Truth: Needing Narcan doesn’t mean someone has failed or is hopeless. Substance use disorder is a medical condition, and overdose is a medical emergency. Many people who have been revived with Narcan have gone on to achieve long-term recovery. Every person deserves that chance.

How to Respond to an Overdose

1. Check for signs: Unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, blue lips or fingernails, gurgling sounds
2. Call 911 immediately: Even if you have Narcan, emergency medical help is essential
3. Administer Narcan: Follow the instructions on the package—nasal spray goes in one nostril
4. Perform rescue breathing if trained: Provide oxygen while waiting for Narcan to work
5. Give a second dose if needed: If the person doesn’t respond within 2-3 minutes, give another dose
6. Stay with the person: Keep them on their side and stay until help arrives

Building Recovery-Friendly Communities in Northeast Florida

Widespread Narcan access is just one piece of building recovery-friendly communities. When we combine harm reduction tools like Narcan with education, peer support, and compassionate care, we create environments where people feel safe seeking help without fear of judgment or stigma.

The progress we’re seeing—from 80 fentanyl deaths in 2023 to 54 in 2024 in District 23—shows that our community efforts are working. Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, Medical Examiner for St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, confirms that all three counties have experienced declines in overdose deaths. But we can’t stop now. Every life matters.

At Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services, we believe every life is worth saving. We offer free Narcan training that covers the basics of Narcan administration, legal protections, the effects of opioids, and why Narcan matters to our community. No one should hesitate to carry Narcan because of myths or misinformation.

Take Action Today

• Get trained: Attend a free Narcan training session with Flagler OARS or DiscoverRecover
• Request a kiosk: If you’re a business owner in Flagler County, request a free Barney Naloxone Stand
• Carry Narcan: Keep it in your car, home, or bag—anywhere you might need it
• Share information: Help dispel myths by educating others about Narcan
• Advocate: Support policies that increase Narcan access and Good Samaritan laws
• Show compassion: Remember that behind every overdose is a person deserving of dignity and a chance at recovery

Narcan doesn’t enable addiction—it enables survival. And survival is the first step toward recovery. By understanding the truth about Narcan and rejecting harmful myths, we can all play a role in saving lives and supporting our neighbors on their journey to wellness.

Together, we can continue the progress we’re making in Northeast Florida. Contact Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services at flagleroars.org or DiscoverRecover at discoverrecover.org to learn more about Narcan training and how to make your business or organization recovery-friendly.

The opioid crisis is hitting close to home—but there’s HOPE. Our community is seeing real progress:

THE LOCAL REALITY:
�Flagler County: 30 overdose deaths in 2023
� District 23 (St. Johns, Putnam & Flagler): Fentanyl deaths dropped from 80 in 2023 to 54 in 2024—a 33% DECREASE

Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, Medical Examiner for our counties, confirms ALL THREE counties are experiencing declines in overdose deaths But dangerous myths about Narcan still prevent people from carrying this life- saving medication.

Let’s set the record straight:
MYTH: “You can get high from Narcan” TRUTH: Scientifically IMPOSSIBLE.
Narcan has ZERO potential for abuse. It blocks opioid receptors—it doesn’t activate
them. There is no “high” to experience. If you give Narcan to someone without opioids
in their system, nothing happens.
MYTH: “Narcan enables drug use” TRUTH: Research shows Narcan availability
does NOT increase drug use. In our three-county region, having Narcan readily
available has contributed to the 33% decrease in fentanyl deaths we’ve seen from 2023
to 2024.
MYTH: “You need medical training to use Narcan” TRUTH: Anyone can use
Narcan! The nasal spray is as simple as spraying into one nostril. You can’t harm
someone by administering it.
MYTH: “Narcan is expensive and hard to get” TRUTH: FREE Narcan is available
right here!

Flagler OARS provides free Narcan kits, free training, and free distribution kiosks (The Barney Naloxone Stand) for businesses. Discover and Recover serves St. Johns County. We deliver, install, and keep them full at NO COST.

The Bottom Line: Our community went from 80 fentanyl deaths to 54—a 33% drop. Community intervention WORKS. But we can’t stop now. Narcan doesn’t enable addiction—it enables SURVIVAL. And survival is the first step toward recovery.

�� 80 → 54 fentanyl deaths (33% decrease) �� Every person deserves a chance at life
�� Every community member can be a lifesaver �� Progress is possible when we work together

Want to help save lives? �� Contact Flagler OARS for free Narcan training or to request a kiosk for your business �� flagleroars.org | discoverrecover.org

Together, we’re building a recovery-friendly Northeast Florida. ��

What Does It Mean to Be Recovery-Friendly?

A recovery-friendly community is one where individuals and families affected by substance use disorders are welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. It’s a place where recovery is celebrated, stigma is challenged, and everyone has access to the resources they need to heal.

Why Your Community Needs to Embrace Recovery

Recovery is everywhere. Right now, millions of Americans are in recovery from substance use disorders—your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. When we create recovery-friendly spaces, we’re not helping “them”—we’re helping us.

The Impact of Stigma

Stigma kills. It prevents people from seeking help, keeps families suffering in silence, and perpetuates the misconception that addiction is a moral failing rather than a treatable health condition. When communities embrace recovery:

• People feel safe asking for help sooner
• Families find support instead of judgment
• Individuals in recovery can participate fully in community life
• Everyone benefits from reduced healthcare costs and increased public safety

What Recovery-Friendly Communities Look Like

They educate. Community members understand that addiction is a disease, recovery is possible, and support makes a difference.

They include. Businesses hire people in recovery. Schools teach evidence-based prevention. Faith communities offer welcoming spaces. Local government prioritizes recovery resources.

They celebrate. Recovery stories are shared openly. Milestones are honored. Hope replaces shame.

They support. Peer support services, Narcan training, family programs, and recovery housing are accessible to all—regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

The Ripple Effect

When one person enters recovery, entire families heal. When communities support recovery:

• Workplaces gain dedicated, loyal employees
• Crime rates decrease
• Emergency services are used more appropriately
• Children grow up in stable, healthy homes
• Economic productivity increases
• Community connections strengthen

How You Can Help

Learn. Attend a Narcan training. Listen to recovery stories. Challenge your own assumptions.

Speak up. Use person-first language. Correct stigmatizing comments. Share accurate information.

Support. Attend recovery events. Donate to recovery organizations. Advocate for recovery-friendly policies.

Welcome. Create spaces where people in recovery feel valued and included—in your workplace, your faith community, your neighborhood.

Recovery is Possible. Community Makes It Achievable.

Every person deserves the chance to recover, rebuild, and thrive. Every family deserves support, not judgment. Every community becomes stronger when recovery is embraced.

Together, we can build a community where recovery isn’t just possible—it’s celebrated.

Want to learn more about how to support recovery in Flagler  or St. Johns counties/? Contact Brock Birtolo at discoverrecover.org or Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services at www.flagleroars.org. We offer free community education, Narcan training, peer support services, and family programs. Because recovery is everyone’s business.

The event, rescheduled from Sept. 25 due to rain, is free and open to the public. Participants will walk from Wadsworth Park over the State Road 100 bridge to Veterans Park for a brief ceremony. Free T-shirts will be distributed to those who arrive by 5:15 p.m. Advanced registration is not required.

Organizers hope to bring the community together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the critical resources available through the 988 hotline.

“The 988 Lifeline is a critical resource that saves lives, and we want every member of our community to know help is just three numbers away,” said Bob Snyder, president of Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. “By walking together, we’re sending a powerful message that support is available and that no one has to face a crisis alone. Flagler Beach is a community that cares.”

The 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline provides free, confidential support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By dialing 988, callers are connected to trained counselors who provide immediate support and connect them with local resources. This service is crucial in preventing suicides and offering hope to those in distress. Raising awareness about the 988 hotline ensures that more people know where to turn in times of need, potentially saving lives.

Suicide ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death nationwide, resulting in approximately one death every 11 minutes. It is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the fourth leading cause for ages 35-54, and the eighth leading cause for ages 55-64.

In 2023, Flagler County recorded 21 deaths by suicide, representing a rate of 16.3 per 100,000 residents compared to Florida’s statewide rate of 15.7.

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is committed to addressing local needs and supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of our community members. Promoting the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline is an especially important initiative of Rotary Club of Flagler Beach during September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Public outdoor signs promoting 988, high school poster contests, municipal proclamations, social media campaigns and other activities are among the activities planned by Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. For more information about the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, visit www.flaglerbeachrotary.org.

A Community United for Mental Health

This meaningful event brings our Flagler community together to raise awareness about the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a vital resource that provides free, confidential support 24/7. We’ll gather at Wadsworth Park in Flagler Beach and walk together over the SR 100 bridge to Veterans Park for a brief ceremony.

The walk is completely free, and no advance registration is required. Simply show up ready to walk alongside your neighbors in support of mental health awareness. If possible, we encourage participants to wear purple and/or teal—the official colors of suicide prevention awareness.

Why This Matters

The numbers tell a sobering story. Suicide ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death nationwide, claiming a life approximately every 11 minutes. For young people ages 10-34, it’s the second leading cause of death. Here in Flagler County, we recorded 21 deaths by suicide in 2023—a rate of 16.3 per 100,000 residents, slightly above Florida’s statewide rate of 15.7.

But behind every statistic is a person, a family, a community impact. That’s why events like this matter so much.

The Power of 988

The 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline is more than just a phone number—it’s a lifeline. When someone dials 988, they’re immediately connected to trained counselors who provide crisis support and connect callers with local resources. This service operates 24/7, offering hope and help when people need it most.

By raising awareness about 988, we ensure more people know where to turn during their darkest moments. Knowledge saves lives.

Join Us—Every Step Matters

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply care about mental health in our community, your presence makes a difference. Walking together sends a powerful message: no one faces their struggles alone in Flagler County.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM
• Where: Meet at Wadsworth Park, Flagler Beach
• What: Walk over SR 100 bridge to Veterans Park
• Cost: Free
• Dress: Purple and/or teal encouraged

Together, we can break the silence around mental health struggles and ensure everyone knows that help is just three numbers away: 9-8-8.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

Flagler OARS is committed to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges.