The COVID-19 quarantines earlier this year hit those struggling with addiction in Marion County hard, according to a recently released study of overdose deaths in Florida.
Between March and June, 64 people died of drug overdoses in Marion, an increase of more than 100% over the same period in 2019, when 31 people died, according to the study released by the Orlando-based Project Opioid.
It was a similar case across Florida, where many counties saw sharp increases in overdose deaths during the quarantine period. Project Opioid used numbers from the Florida Department of Health for the study. We surveyed 1,700 Floridians, and it basically showed that during the mandated quarantines, 70% of those who were having mental health and substance abuse issues felt like they couldn t or shouldn t get help, said Andrae Bailey, founder of Project Opioid.
Ocala Star-Banner staff report
This is the Star-Banner s weekly listing of fundraisers. To have your information included, send an email to calendar@starbanner.com and write Causes in the subject line.
The 43rd annual Ocala Reindeer Run: This event, which will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, will be all-virtual this year because of COVID-19. Register before Dec. 31 at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocala/OcalaReindeerRun. Run a 5k at the location of your choice and post your time at https://runsignup.com/ocalareindeerrun.
Second annual Olaf s Chili Challenge: This event will be held noon-4:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Highland Memorial Park, 1513 NE Third St., Ocala. Free admission; $5 for chili tasting. Proceeds benefit Sheltering Hands, whose mission is improving the lives of cats through humane care, spay/neuter, adoptions, education and support services.
Hoffman Estates Parks Board to keep tax levy flat
Updated 12/11/2020 9:44 AM
The Hoffman Estates Park District (HEParks) Board of Commissioners voted on November 24, 2020, not to increase the district s tax levy to the community during 2021. Similar to other surrounding communities, Hoffman Estates residents have been hit hard by the pandemic. We want the residents of Hoffman Estates to know that the district is here to support them and help them, said HEParks Executive Director Craig Talsma. Due to the economic toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our community, HEParks portion of the tax levy will remain flat, which means there will be no increase from the district between FY2020 and FY 2021. Right now, with many community members still unemployed, every dollar matters to families.