“It’s Better Together” connects individuals struggling with opioid use to compassionate care and treatment resources
By Luisa Martinez,M.Sc
MIAMI, FL — Opioid use continues to affect individuals and communities across the nation, under-scoring the importance of education, prevention and access to effective treatment. Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) is addressing this public health concern through its “It’s Better Together” initiative, which focuses on connecting individuals affected by opioid use with treatment and recovery resources.
The “It’s Better Together” initiative involves a co-partnership with JTCHS and the University of Miami. The goal of the initiative is to combat opioid addiction, while bringing lifesaving care to opioid users located in high-risk communities across Miami-Dade County. The effort emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma, raising awareness and helping individuals access compassionate treatment.
“We want individuals struggling with opioid use to know that help is available and recovery is possible,” says Dr. Timothy Tyler, the project leader at JTCHS. “We truly believe that no one should have to struggle with opioids alone. It’s Better Together,” he added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 105,000 people died from drug overdose in 2023 and nearly 80,000 of those deaths involved opioids (about 76%). In 2024, the CDC reported that 70.3% of people who died of a drug overdose were male and 25.7% were 35–44 years old.
The largest percentage of females were aged 35–44 years. Males, aged 35–44, and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native had the highest overdose death rates.
These statistics indicate that opioids remain a major contributor to death rates, highlighting the continued need for education, prevention, and access to treatment resources.
Through outreach initiatives like the ‘It’s Better Together’ campaign, JTCHS works to eliminate the stigma of asking for help, foster open conversations about mental health, and bridge the gap between isolated individuals and professional care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or pain pills, do know that help is closer than you think and recovery is within reach. Always here to help, JTCHS connects individuals to compassionate, evidence-based care. The organization offers Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in outpatient primary care, support from trained, compassionate providers, and linkage to additional services. To take the first step, call (786) 487-3545.
About Jessie Trice Community Health System
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
