TAMPA, Fla. — According to the latest report from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, fentanyl caused the most deaths in the first half of 2023.

As it continues to be a crisis impacting many across the state of Florida, some families want something to be done to help addicts and their families.

What You Need To Know

  • Florida Medical Examiners Commissioners found in the first six months of 2023, overdose deaths decreased by 7%

  • But some say more help is still needed

  • Riverview mother lost her son to a fentanyl overdose in October 2023

  • Families looking to pass legislation to help families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl

One Bay area family is hoping to pass legislation this upcoming session.

“It’s the only way we’re going to make a change, is if we come together,” says Showneen Hall.

She, like others, lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose.

“They might not always want help, but when they do it, should be there,” Hall said.

So, she’s opening the door to conversations about drug addiction and the impact it has on families.

Showneen lost her son, Walter James Shumaker, to a fentanyl overdose in October of last year.

“He struggled with addiction his whole life, juvenile years all the way up to 27 when he became an angel. He didn’t have much access to detox facilities, insurance, stuff like that,” she says.

She wants to see politicians do more to help, and she plans to push for legislation to make it happen.

“More detox facilities, waiting lists are forever to get into a detox facility," she said. "Some people don’t have insurance, some people do, even with insurance there’s major copays. The American people are screaming for help,” she says.

A new report shows some progress is being made.

According to data just released by Florida’s Medical Examiners Commission, in the first six months of 2023, overdose deaths decreased by 7% compared to the same months the previous year. Opioid-related deaths dropped by 11% and deaths caused by fentanyl dropped 10%.

Still, Walter’s brother, Joshua Purvis, says there’s more work to do.

“I would like more awareness to be out there, especially because a lot of people don’t know how big of a deal this is, affecting the younger generation. We're talking kids in high school,” he says.

The family wants drug education courses to be a bigger focus in schools. They also want safe houses that will help keep addicts on track, and they want more resources for family members.

For now, Hall said she’ll continue to create a space for families to talk and share their stories hoping that by sharing her own, changes will occur.

The family will be meeting with a state senator in September to talk about their ideas for possible anti-drug legislation.