Nassau County Council on Aging
Press Release
Submitted by Liz Dunn
September 15, 2021
Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH)-Nassau have partnered to publicize the dangers of opioid abuse in the local community. Three NassauTRANSIT vehicles, traveling countywide, now have bus-length signage featuring public service announcements produced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The signage is sponsored by FDOH-Nassau through a grant tied to the C.R.O.W.N. (County Response to Opioids/Substances Within Nassau) Program. This program, designed through our local health department, aims to prevent and reduce substance and opioid use by children and young adults within Nassau County. Each NassauTRANSIT bus features a PSA with targeted messaging, such as “Prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous. It only takes a little to lose a lot.” and “There is hope. Recovery is possible.” Citizens are encouraged to contact the CDC (cdc.gov/RxAwareness) and/or FDOH (www.florida.nassauhealth.gov) for additional information.
“Opioid abuse is becoming more and more prevalent in our community,” said Prince Danso-Odei, MD, DrPH, MPH, FDOH-Nassau Administrator. “Our prevention and treatment messaging is prominent on NassauTRANSIT’s buses, and we appreciate the opportunity to get the word out in our county.”
“We are extremely proud to partner with Nassau’s Health Department on this important initiative,” said Janice Ancrum, NCCOA President & CEO. “It is a critical message for people of all ages, and we are happy to help with publicity throughout Nassau County.”
“We are glad this collaboration will help raise awareness about opioid use within the county as a response to our increasing needs,” said Ray Richardson, MSW Community Prevention Coordinator; while Lee Anne Stephens, BSN RN Youth Prevention Coordinator said, “It is exciting for our community to be able to learn about opioid/substance use and we thank NassauTRANSIT for their partnership to make this possible.”
NassauTRANSIT bus sponsorships are available for local businesses and organizations, and create a win-win for both NCCOA and the sponsor. Contact Liz Dunn, NCCOA Marketing & Communications Director, [email protected], for additional information.
Representatives from both NassauTRANSIT and the Florida Department of Health-Nassau present the newest bus sponsorships on the dangers of opioid abuse. The vehicles travel throughout Nassau County on a weekly basis. From left to right: Prince Danso-Odei, MD, DrPH, MPH, Administrator, FDOH-Nassau; Lee Anne Stephens, BSN, RN, Youth Prevention Coordinator, FDOH-Nassau; Sidney Baker, NassauTRANSIT Bus Operator; Mike Hays, NCCOA Transportation Director; Ray Richardson, MSW, Community Prevention Coordinator-C.R.O.W.N. Program, FDOH-Nassau; Jaime Christian, NassauTRANSIT Bus Operator; and Doug “Coach” Corbett, NassauTRANSIT Bus Operator.