Kathleen Cannon, Garry Smyth, Sandy Michael-McDonald, Monica King, Dr. Kevin A. Sabet, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, Maria Hernandez, and Emilia Vilaire-Monchery
New Data Shows Broward County Has Lowest Overdose Death Rate Among Peer Counties
March 2, 2026 – More than 250 community leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, law enforcement officials, and policymakers gathered on February 18, 2026, at The Diplomat Beach Resort for the 3rd Annual South Florida Addiction Prevention & Solutions Summit, presented by United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention.
This year’s Summit spotlighted the measurable progress in the fight against substance misuse. According to data highlighted in the Coalition’s December community briefing, Broward County now reports the lowest overdose death rate among peer counties. The lower rate is a milestone reflecting years of coordinated prevention, education, enforcement, treatment access, and recovery support efforts by the Coalition.
“This reduction in overdose deaths demonstrates that collaborative, evidence-based strategies are working,” said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way Broward. “When public agencies, healthcare systems, law enforcement, nonprofits, and community leaders align around shared data and shared solutions, lives are saved.”
The Summit featured keynote speaker Kevin A. Sabet, PhD, President and CEO of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions and Smart Approaches to Marijuana, who emphasized the importance of prevention-first policies and cross-sector accountability.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in forward-looking discussions focused on:
- Real-time data sharing systems
- Evidence-based prevention and response strategies
- Strengthening public-private partnerships
- Updates to the 2026–2029 Opioid Action Plan
Conversations highlighted how Broward County’s integrated behavioral health approach which is built on data transparency, rapid response coordination, and community-based prevention has contributed to the measurable decline in overdose fatalities.
“While the reduction is encouraging, continued vigilance is essential,” said Maria Hernandez, LCSW, Chief Impact Officer for United Way Broward. “This milestone is proof of impact, but it is not a signal to slow down. The Coalition remains committed to advancing innovative strategies that protect families and prevent substance misuse before it begins.”
United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention continues to serve as a catalyst for collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, strengthening integrated behavioral health efforts across the county. The Coalition remains focused on sustaining and accelerating progress to ensure Broward families continue to see improved outcomes.
Sponsors for the event included Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Guardian Recovery, South Florida Wellness Network, Fellowship Recovery Community Organization, CareResource, CenExel, Amneal, Broward Health, NAEMI, Insight Mental Health & Recovery, Playwise, and The Diplomat Beach Resort.
