Florida Local Hero Advocates For All: 'Every Life Is Worth Saving'

FLORIDA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working on letting all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Laura Tanksley who nominated Julia Negron of Venice, Florida.

Local hero’s full name

Julia Negron

Local hero’s home state

Florida

Local hero’s Patch

Across Florida

How do you know the local hero?

We are co-founders of the first Florida harm reduction organization.

What does the local hero do?

She advocates for human rights, social justice and civil rights on behalf of current and former drug users because every life is worth saving.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

During the height of the Opioid epidemic, Julia led a non-profit organization in demanding that our state leaders expand access to naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, thereby saving countless Floridian lives. Naloxone is now safely distributed on the streets by grassroots organizations like ours to the people who need it most. Under a standing order prescription, it's free of charge, judgment, stigma, ultimatum or demands.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

She has compassion and understanding unmatched by any other.

Thank you for all you do, Julia Negron!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.