407-645-5933 ext. 236 marisa.west@shalomorlando.org
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.

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.

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

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