Walton County Overdose Prevention Task Force

10/24/2026

HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency and the DeFuniak Springs Police Department are partnering Saturday, Oct. 24, to host an anonymous medication take-back event aimed at preventing prescription drug misuse.

10/19/2026

Last week marked Peer Support Celebration Day!

While the celebration was one day, the impact of peer support reaches far beyond it!

Here in Walton County, we see that firsthand. There’s something incredibly powerful about sitting across from someone who understands your struggles through their own lived experience and meets you right where you are.

To our peers who show up day after day with dedication and a genuine heart for those they serve…

WE SEE YOU! 👏

The difference you’re making right here in our communities does not go unnoticed!

If you or someone you know needs support, the Peer Support Network is here to help.

💫 844-FLC-PEER (844-352-7337)

💫 thepathwayback.com

There is a pathway back.

10/16/2026

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Safely disposing of unused or expired medications is a simple but important step in preventing prescription drug misuse and overdose right here in Walton County!!!

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Do you have unused or expired medications that need to be disposed of?

Prescription medications that are no longer needed can pose serious risks when they end up in the wrong hands. Taking a few minutes to properly dispose of them is a simple way to help protect those we love and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, prescription drug misuse and overdose.

👉 DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM

Walton County Collection Locations:

📍 DeFuniak Springs Police Department
99 S. 18th Street, DeFuniak Springs

📍 Walton County Sheriff’s Office
10 Sheriff Circle, DeFuniak Springs

📍 Walton County Sheriff’s Office Substation
133 Sheriff Drive, Santa Rosa Beach

Together, we can reduce the risks and help protect the community we call home.

10/13/2026

As Walton County continues to recover from the storm, free meals are being provided throughout our community today!

If you or someone you know could benefit from a hot meal, please see the locations and distribution times below.

Thank you to the organizations and volunteers coming together to serve our community during this time!

🍽️ FREE MEAL DISTRIBUTION | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

In coordination with Walton County Emergency Management/Human Services, the following free meal distributions are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.

🔥 OPERATION BBQ RELIEF

Walmart #8861, Santa Rosa Beach
6861 E US Hwy 98, Santa Rosa Beach
Lunch only: 12:30 PM

Walmart #1134, DeFuniak Springs
1226 Hwy 331 South, DeFuniak Springs
Lunch: 12:30 PM | Dinner: 5:00 PM

🔴 AMERICAN RED CROSS

Red Bay Community Center
10624 Rock Hill Rd, Ponce De Leon
Lunch: 1:00 PM | Dinner: 6:00 PM

🍲 SALVATION ARMY

Paxton Agricultural Complex (Ag Center)
21972 US Highway 331 North, Laurel Hill
Lunch: 12:00 PM

Choctaw Beach Community Center
126 Water Oak St, Freeport
Lunch: 12:00 PM

Walton County Planning Department Parking Lot
842 State Highway 20 E, Freeport
Lunch: 12:00 PM

Habitat for Humanity ReStore
2440 U.S. Highway 98 West, Santa Rosa Beach
Lunch: 12:00 PM

PLEASE NOTE: All distribution times are approximate, and meals are available while supplies last. Please be patient and flexible as teams work to serve our community.

Thank you to our partners and volunteers for helping keep our neighbors fed during recovery. Please share so those who need a meal know where to go!

10/09/2026

Stay Safe & Please Share! 💙💫

THIS POST IS NOW OUT OF DATE.

🚐 NEED A RIDE TO AN EVACUATION SHELTER?

Matrix C.O.C. will try to assist those WITHOUT transportation. TEXT 850-409-5818 ASAP with:

• Head of household’s first and last name
• Full pickup address or exact location
• County and contact number

We will follow up to confirm transportation. Please use your own transportation if available. Do not post personal information in the comments.

Shelter locations, opening times, and pet information are in the graphic. Bring medications, bedding, toiletries, and essential supplies.

Special-needs registration:
📍 Walton: https://mywaltonfl.gov/1194/Special-Needs-Shelter-Registration
📍 Okaloosa guests must preregister: https://okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/special-needs-shelter-spns/

Please share to help us reach neighbors who need assistance. 💚

10/05/2026

We’re wearing RED!

Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through 31 and we’re inviting Walton County to join us.

Wear red on Monday October 26 as we bring greater awareness to substance use and misuse and strengthen prevention efforts across our community.

Awareness creates conversation.
Conversation creates opportunity for change.

It’s a reminder that even one person’s bravery can inspire others.

Will you wear RED with us? 🙌

Did you Know: Red Ribbon Week is observed in October

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 after DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena lost his life while fighting to keep communities safe from drug trafficking.

His hometown started wearing red ribbons to honor his courage and to show that they stood for a healthier, safer future. What began as a small act of love and remembrance grew into a nationwide movement.

Red Ribbon Week today is about more than awareness. It’s about families and schools coming together with their communities to choose hope, support one another and celebrate living drug free.

It’s a reminder that even one person’s bravery can inspire millions.

Learn more about Red Ribbon Week and find helpful resources to raise awareness about substance use and misuse in your community.

👉 https://www.dea.gov/red-ribbon/red-ribbon-toolkit

09/29/2026

Recovery Month has given us so much to celebrate.

Last week Freedom Life Compass/Freedom Network partnered with NAMI Emerald Coast to bring WRAP® training to our area.

Over the course of two days participants explored practical tools for wellness and recovery. The training focused on recognizing triggers and early warning signs while creating personalized plans that support continued wellness.

We’re grateful for organizations that continue to create opportunities like this.

We’re equally grateful for those who invested their time in this training and will carry these tools back into the communities they serve.

This is how we keep growing recovery support across Walton County and beyond.

Find local recovery and naloxone resources at thepathwayback.com⁠

09/24/2026

Knowing how to respond when someone is experiencing an opioid overdose can help save a life.

Naloxone gives us the ability to respond immediately while emergency help is on the way.

That is why making it available throughout Walton County is only part of the work. Making sure our community knows how to use it is just as important.

Our community partners are exploring small video devices that demonstrate how to administer naloxone.

Local trainings are also helping businesses prepare their staff and incorporate naloxone into first aid planning.

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

✅ Call 911 immediately.
✅ Give naloxone if it’s available.
✅ Stay with the person until help arrives.

Find naloxone and other local resources at https://thepathwayback.com/.

There is a pathway back.

09/15/2026

In observance of World Mental Health Day, the Walton County Overdose Prevention Task Force and PanCare of Florida, Inc. are hosting an in-person Adult Mental Health First Aid training. There is no cost to participate in this training.

Mental health and substance use challenges affect nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., but most of us have never been taught how to help. Mental Health First Aid changes that.

📅 Friday, October 9 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Florida Department of Health in Walton County
362 State Highway 83, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

In this one-day course, you'll learn how to:
✅ Recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges
✅ Respond to a person in crisis
✅ Connect people with professional help and support
✅ Build skills in trauma awareness, substance use, and self-care

This training is for employers, first responders, law enforcement, hospital staff, and anyone who wants to be ready to help a neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member.

📝 Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mhfa-walton
📧 Question: [email protected] | 📞 850-401-6338

⏰ Registration closes Monday, October 5 at 5 p.m. Seats are limited, so sign up today! There will be some pre-work to complete before the training. Within 48 hours of submitting your registration, you will receive an email with a link and what you need to complete before the in-person training.

09/14/2026

Recovery takes a community.

Today we recognize those who continue to show up.

Peers and first responders.
Healthcare professionals and treatment providers.
Community partners and law enforcement.
Volunteers and families.

Often the work happens quietly…

A ride to an appointment.
A warm handoff.
A follow-up call.
A moment of compassion when someone needs it most.

Together, Walton County partners are helping more individuals connect to support and find their pathway back!