Engaging Discussions on Overdose Prevention and Innovative Strategies

The summit will feature multiple expert-led discussions addressing the cost of preventable overdoses and solutions for new prevention and innovative strategies to combat addiction.

Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy and a leading voice in the fight against the opioid crisis, will serve as the event’s moderator. Dr. Loyd, whose work inspired the Hulu series Dopesick, will guide discussions throughout the event, providing key insights on national efforts to tackle substance use disorders.

Who Should Attend?

The event invites community organizations, state and national public health leaders, academics, local, state, and national elected officials, and business owners from across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative solutions, cutting-edge strategies, the latest research, and breakthrough medications for treating substance use disorders.

Event Focus

A series of expert-led discussions and panels will address preventable overdoses and offer actionable solutions, including innovative prevention methods and future-focused strategies. Topics of discussion will include:

• States Sharing Data
• First Responder Policies for Addiction
• Innovative Solutions to Addiction Treatment
• Prevention Strategies for Substance Use
• Overcoming the Challenges of Public-Private Partnerships

Featured Speakers and Panelists

The summit will feature leading voices in addiction prevention, treatment, and policy, including:

• Maria Hernandez – Chief Program Officer, United Way of Broward
• Dr. Rahul Gupta – Former Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy (2021-2025)
• Jonathan Board – West Virginia First Foundation Opioid Abatement Commission
• Mark York – Founder, Addiction Abatement, Inc.
• Burton Leblanc, Esq. – Partner, Baron & Budd (Lead Opioid Litigation Firm)
• Johnathon Holth – Executive Director, North Dakota Opioid Abatement Commission
• Jared Koski – Senior Data Analytics Advisor, Lightstream Group
• Dr. Christine Caufield – CEO, Executive VP – SAMH LSF Health Systems, Inc.
• Jasmine Sibai – CDC Foundation, Public Health Analyst and Overdose Strategy
• Dave Aronberg – Former State Attorney, Palm Beach County; Former Florida Senator
• Mark Skeffington – Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Division, Drug Enforcement Administration
• Harold Pryor – Broward County State Attorney
• Dr. Tom Takubo – West Virginia State Senator; Executive VP, West Virginia University Medicine
• Jayson Uffens – Chief Technology Officer, GATC Health
• Dr. Amber Deckard, Psy. D – Director of Neuropsychological and Psychological Services, Caron Foundation
• Dr. Orlando Mareno – Clinical Director, GIA Healthcare
• Jeff Horwitz – Chief of Staff, Safe Project
• Linda Richter – Senior VP, Prevention, Research & Analysis, Partnership to End Addiction
• Stefanie Davis – General Counsel, Legal Services Council
• Danny Scalise – Director of Public Health, Burke County, North Carolina

WHEN:   Wednesday, February 19th | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton | 3555 S Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019

DETAILS:         To register, please visit https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/event/national-addiction-solutions-summit/

Continental Breakfast and lunch provided.
Garage Parking: $15
Valet Parking: $30

About United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention
United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention is a broad-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion coalition dedicated to reducing negative consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Today, its primary role is to serve as a coalition-building organization that brokers partnerships between federal, state and local agencies to foster, develop, and enhance integrated behavioral health efforts throughout Broward County, while searching for innovative and effective ways to address the issue of substance misuse. The Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention is a vital component of United Way of Broward County’s three impact areas (health, education and financial prosperity) focused on the solutions to close gaps in services and create a better life for all. For more information, please visit www.drugfreebroward.org or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/uwbccommission or on Twitter/Instagram @UWBC_Commission.

The National Addiction Solutions Summit will serve as a vital platform for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to collaborate on effective, forward-thinking strategies in the ongoing battle against addiction. For more information, visit www.drugfreebroward.org.

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The BE BOLD Leadership Campaign raised $415 million, including $150 million in new gifts and pledges, and $265 million in estate plan commitments, providing sustained, long-term impact for the Broward County Community. The campaign resulted in unprecedented growth in endowed giving with 173 new endowed funds by individuals, families and organizations, providing permanent philanthropic resources to address Broward’s most pressing needs – now and for generations to come. The campaign welcomed 31 new Community Builders, visionary donors who each committed $1 million or more in endowed charitable funds to drive lasting impact in Broward. Once fully realized, funds raised through BE BOLD will more than double annual grantmaking fueling critical support for education, the arts, health care, the environment, social services and more. While the campaign’s official end marks a milestone for the Foundation, the impact will continue, ensuring permanent, flexible resources to meet Broward’s evolving needs and emerging challenges.

Following the success of the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign, the Community Foundation of Broward is proud to launch Lead With Love – its new mantra moving forward as an organization. Lead With Love emphasizes the heart behind giving, inspiring donors to invest not only financially, but also emotionally, socially and collaboratively in Broward County’s future. Unlike the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign’s focus on individual leadership, Lead With Love fosters collective action, encouraging more people to participate in philanthropy that uplifts Broward. Lead With Love highlights the role of philanthropy in creating equitable opportunities for all residents, strengthening connections between donors and the causes they care about, and empowering nonprofits with sustainable resources to expand their missions. 

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What your doctor may not have told you is that in order to continue losing weight, you have to stay on the GLP-1’s every week. For some, the diagnosis is life-long GLP-1 use. Did you realize that you signed up for a life-long program? Once you’re off the GLP-1’s, that is when your blood sugar starts rising again, you start to feel hungry and inevitability, you gain weight back. Some gain back significantly more pounds than they had before. This is why it’s very important to supplement your diet with a high-quality protein every day.

Protein helps preserve muscle mass, which keeps your metabolism functioning at its best. It also helps curb cravings, making it easier to control your appetite. It’s important to note that rapid weight loss also leads to muscle loss, which in turn slows your metabolism. As a result, you’ll need to burn more calories than before—meaning longer workouts, extended walks, and stricter eating habits to maintain your weight.

As a result, when you are on GLP-1s, it’s important that you drink protein shakes every morning. Consider making a protein shake that has Almased and mixing it with iced coffee, berries, or cinnamon. Blend it with ice and give yourself a treat. 

Almased is the only superfood protein shake scientifically proven to preserve muscle mass while you lose weight¹. It’s diabetic-friendly and it helps to optimize your metabolism, so you can keep the weight off for good. Each Almased protein shake is nutritionally complete, which is very important when you lose your appetite to eat a balanced meal. Visit Almased.com to learn more.

Source:

1 Randomized-Controlled ACOORH Trial A 12-Month Sub-analysis 2021, University of Freiburg, almased.com/research

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Currently, in South Florida, there are over 1.2 million food insecure individuals, and one in nine individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal due to inflation, the strained supply chain, rising fuel prices and increased housing costs, among other factors.  

Registration is currently open to all four counties that Feeding South Florida serves including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe at: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ 

Participants can join the event as an individual or a team. Those not participating in the race may also support the organization by creating a personalized fundraising page when they register. 

When:    

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 

6:30 – 9 a.m.  

Registration begins: 6:30 a.m.  

Outrun Hunger 5K start: 7:30 a.m.  

Award Ceremony at 8:30 a.m.  

Where: 

Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th Street  

Miami, FL 33155

Cost: 

Registration: $25
Registration + T-shirt: $40
Hunger Hero: $250 

How: 

For more information and to register, participants can visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ 

Feeding South Florida® is a member of the Feeding America network and is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than *1.17 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners. Visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954-518-1818.  

*FY July 2022–June 2023 

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Ira Baer 

CFO, Baer’s Furniture 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

Philanthropy is in my blood. It started with my grandparents, Melvin and Lucille Baer. Since opening the first Baer’s store in 1945, they have been a shining example of being generous and giving back to your community. I primarily contribute to Jewish and cancer research organizations, but there are many other groups I have supported through the years, since 1989. At Baer’s Furniture, I take the lead on our family’s corporate giving. 

It’s Close to Home: 

My commitment to supporting cancer-related causes stems from a deeply personal experience—my brother is a cancer survivor. Witnessing his journey firsthand opened my eyes to the immense challenges faced by patients and their families. It also underscored the critical need for advancements in cancer research and improved access to care.  

Collaboration & Cooperation: 

We have collaborated with many of our vendors who enjoy participating in our efforts. Volunteering my time is a part of my daily and weekly schedule, as it is for many of the Baer Family. From sponsorships to matching efforts and even things as simple as handing out water bottles or food at charity biking/running fundraisers, it is thrilling to have our entire Baer’s team join the effort.

Ann Monis 

CEO, Transformative Healthcare Solutions 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

When my family immigrated to the U.S. from Israel, I was 9 years old. We arrived with nothing, crammed into a one-bedroom apartment with seven family members. My single mother worked multiple jobs, yet we faced hardships, living without health insurance, food security or basic needs. By 12, I worked to help our household. These struggles instilled resilience and a commitment to ensure others don’t face similar challenges and inspired me to establish the Florida Mental Health Coalition, which improves access to mental health services, and to support organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to address critical community needs. 

It’s personal: 

As a pre-teen volunteering at shelters, I met a boy my age who, despite enduring neglect and abuse in foster care, dreamed of playing in the NFL. After aging out of the system, he faced homelessness and substance abuse and took his own life. This loss deeply impacted me, reinforcing how vital love, stability, and support are for vulnerable populations. Later, while building homes for underserved families, I witnessed how safe spaces restore dignity and hope. These experiences fuel my passion for mental health advocacy and supporting underserved communities today. 

How do you measure the impact of your philanthropic efforts? 

Measuring impact at the Florida Mental Health Coalition (FMHC) combines metrics like individuals served and recidivism reduction with personal stories of transformation. For example, trauma-informed care helped a police officer process a child’s drowning, preventing long-term emotional harm. Similarly, consistent therapy broke a young man’s cycle of incarceration, enabling him to thrive and contribute to his community. Success is found in every life healed, cycle broken, and opportunity created through our work.

Sharon Gustafson-Florescue 

Owner & CEO, Sharon Enterprises LLC 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

I have been involved in numerous charities since 1970 when I first moved to South Florida. Both my father and my late husband, Barry Florescue, passed away far too early at ages 70 and 73, one from leukemia and the other from diabetes, kidney cancer and a rare blood disorder. While I contribute to many different charities, this was what inspired me to become more involved in supporting charities focused on cancer on a more substantial basis.  

Hence, the Foundation: 
My husband was a strong believer in education and started the Florescue Family Foundation, of which I am president. At the Foundation, we donate to many charities that foster educational opportunities for children as well as charities searching for cures for cancers. I presently sit on the board of the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, which supports cancer research at Nova Southeastern University in hopes of finding a cure. I’m proud to say we are a million-dollar charity this year.  

And in her spare time: 
I actively support Junior Achievement, co-founded the Circle of Wise Women, and was honored as their “WOW” Woman in 2022. The Foundation backs events like Uncorked, Glam-A-Thon, and causes such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and Habitat for Humanity, driven by a passion for improving lives through education, health, and housing. Whether it’s finding a cure for a devastating disease, offering a child an opportunity for a better education, or building a home for a less fortunate family with Habitat for Humanity, it seems like I’ve done it all! 

Jennifer Starkey 

Senior Vice President/Regional Vice President , TD Bank 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

At a young age, I witnessed the kindness of strangers. My mother, a young single mom with two children and another on the way, faced tough times. She worked as a bank teller and received clothing, food and support from coworkers, customers, and the community. She also volunteered with the junior women’s club and raised money to help others. Growing up surrounded by such acts of philanthropy, I knew I wanted to follow this path of giving. As soon as I started working, almost 40 years ago, I participated in our employee giving campaign, giving to United Way. After having our family, I also saw the importance of not only giving of treasure but also of time and talent. I try to volunteer or serve on a board or committee with each organization for which I have a passion in addition to the monetary contribution. 

But it extends beyond money…: 

Real support includes the sharing of time, talent, and treasure. And throughout my life, there were times when I could give more talent and time than treasure. All are vital to a not-for-profit’s success. When I served on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners, I had the pleasure of going to Washington, DC, to speak to congressional representatives and senators about the needs of women-owned businesses which included access to capital, technology improvements, and tax and reporting relief. Additionally, it was a pleasure to speak to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to suggest additional ways to get the word out on the programming and funding opportunities for business owners offered by the SBA. 

Words of wisdom to aspiring givers: 

I always say if you are going to give your time and money, it should be to an organization that is doing work you care about. My daughter Samantha is just starting her career after completing her advanced degrees in public health, but she wanted to start on her philanthropic journey. She loves animals, so she applied and was accepted to become a volunteer at the Miami-Dade Humane Society. I am so proud of her for continuing the family tradition of giving back. 

Giuliana Hirshson 

Vice President, PNC Investments
On being a philanthropist: 

I support several causes, including the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Slow Burn Theatres and Beaux Arts Fort Lauderdale. In the case of Slow Burn Theatres, the impact they make in the community extends beyond the stage by providing valuable employment opportunities for local actors, designers and artists, fostering creative growth in South Florida. Through outreach programs such as senior workshops with $10 show tickets, sensory-friendly performances for neurodivergent audiences, and special pricing for students, Slow Burn ensures the arts are accessible to all, making live theater an inclusive and enriching experience for the entire community. 

Giving time as well as money: 
Royal Dames of Cancer Research is a nonprofit which is all volunteers.?Knowing that the volunteers’ hard work is helping to raise funds brings me the satisfaction of knowing that we are giving back to society and, hopefully soon, to the world. It was founded by a group of women who believed the cure for cancer could only be found through research and began to support the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute, now located at NSU. RGI’s patented therapeutics are showing great promise in treating many types of cancer and most recently, Glioblastoma. We continue the founder’s legacy by having fundraising events throughout the year.

The art of the matter: 
At Beaux Arts, we all volunteer to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Beaux Arts supports Museum on the Move, an innovative new education program that brings 6,000+ Broward County sixth graders to NSU Art Museum Fort for an interactive tour and learning experience. Beaux Arts also hosts an annual Spring Honoree Luncheon to help garner support for future art education initiatives at NSU Art Museum. We support the museum by contributing to its ongoing operations and?enhancing its educational programming and outreach. Through our formal fundraisers and informal activities, we form friendships and have fun while pursuing our goals. 

Danielle Gaudreau 

Designer, The Pretty Nomad
On becoming a philanthropist: 

Fashion has always been my way of empowering and connecting with others, but it never felt right to focus only on myself. Time, to me, is far more valuable than money, and I dedicate as much of it as I can to causes that truly matter. My focus is on fostering self-worth, providing opportunities, and supporting education—helping others realize their potential and creating meaningful change in the world. I’ve been actively involved in philanthropy since I was a teenager, driven by the belief that true success comes from giving back.  

What it’s all about: 

A challenge I’ve seen in the areas I support is that there’s never enough. “Will shelters ever be a thing of the past, or will there always be homeless dogs?” “Will cancer ever be a thing of the past?” “When will all children finally have equal opportunities, regardless of their background?” These questions weigh heavily because the need is constant and often overwhelming. That’s why I keep pushing to do everything I can to make even the smallest difference. 

Walking the walk: 
Beyond financial contributions, I organize rescue efforts, host events, mentor others, and use my platforms to raise awareness. It’s about what you do when no one is watching, the connections you build and the relentless commitment to making even the smallest difference in bettering the world. 

Words of inspiration: 
Long-term, I hope to create a ripple effect—a movement where individuals are empowered to uplift others and advocate for the causes they believe in. I want to inspire people to take that first step, because the first step is always the hardest. But once you start, you’ll realize?this?is what it’s all about—showing up, making a difference, and knowing that even the smallest actions can create lasting change.  

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Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined including its educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, recreation, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.   

Registration will start at 10 a.m., along with a driving range for players who wish to practice their swing. Lunch service and a complimentary open bar will begin at 11 a.m. The scramble-style tournament will commence with a shotgun start at noon. After the tournament at 6 p.m., players will enjoy an awards ceremony and dinner, featuring a live raffle inside Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club’s banquet hall. Raffle prizes include high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences such as golf aficionado items, restaurant and vacation packages and more.  

All golfers will receive a complimentary sponsor-branded swag bag with a sponsor-branded polo, umbrella, golf balls and other takeaways. Parking, green fees, cart and all meals and beverages are all included. Guests are asked to adhere to the country club casual dress code or golf attire. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade recognizes its 58^th Annual Golf Classic Golf Committee Chair Anthony Lopez and Special Events Chair Olga Guilarte as well as committee members Clint Gulley, Chris Merlo, Alex Quevedo, Fred Rebozo, Ed Soto, Taylor Walker  and Liana De Mena. The 2025 Title Sponsor is the Carmen Rebozo Foundation.  

When:
Monday, March 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Where:
Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club
13610 Deering Bay Dr. 
Coral Gables, FL 33158 

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, ranging from $500 to $30,000, are available.  To purchase sponsorships, please visit https://bgcmia.org/event/58th-annual-golf-classic-2025/. 

For more information about sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, or to reserve a foursome, please contact Rhia Hunter at (305) 446-9910 ext. 108, or email rhunter@bgcmia.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.org, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

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The beachfront resort – one of only a handful of properties actually on the beach along the Paradise Coast – has made an impressive comeback after being closed in various stages since Hurricane Ian decimated the Naples area in September 2022. Fortunately, the course was still open after Hurricane Helene.

The resort’s newly renovated guest rooms and suites offer views of the Gulf of Mexico and make a headquarters to explore all things Naples, including the city’s eclectic shopping and dining areas. 

The original course at Naples Beach & Golf Club opened in 1929. LaPlaya Golf Club was born in 1958 as the Palm River golf community – really the first of its kind in Southwest Florida. Located just a few miles from the resort, much of the Palm River neighborhood (not affiliated with LaPlaya) still stands as a gateway to LaPlaya Golf Club.

In 2001, the Palm River course, through a partnership of new owners Stephen J. Lockwood Co. and Barron Collier Companies, brought in acclaimed golf course architect Bob Cupp to re-design the course, which reopened as LaPlaya Golf Club in 2002 – the same year the resort made its debut.

The course plays 6,902 yards from the back tees and features five sets of tee boxes. Cupp basically created a “what you see is what you get,’’ layout, but with plenty of water hazards and some narrow fairways to keep players honest.

The resort’s Baleen restaurant is one of Naples’ top rated and offers views of the Gulf. There’s even a dining option right on the sand if you make a reservation.

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a showcase for how a combination resort and members club can seamlessly operate.

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Aire Residences offers unmatched walkability, ideally situated just one block away from Kane Concourse, the primary retail and culinary center of the Island. This excellent location provides direct access to Bal Harbour Shops and the beach, ensuring a seamless and vibrant lifestyle for its residents. At Aire Residences, every detail has been meticulously considered. The spacious units are designed to feel like individual homes, complemented by breathtaking views and exclusive amenities. Aire Residences are crafted for maximum space and comfort, featuring larger-than-average expansive balconies.

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Over 200 guests attended the inaugural event, including many community members living with multiple sclerosis. In addition to the substantial funds raised, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation garnered significant recognition for its vital work in the community over the past 38 years. Julie Guy, the morning host of 101.5 Lite FM, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support for this remarkable event, which not only highlights the importance of adaptive fashion but also brings our community together to support a cause that affects so many,” said Traci Allyn Shur, Director of Philanthropy. “The funds raised will help us continue to
provide essential services to those living with MS, from medical care and equipment to emotional support and education.”

For more information on MS Focus on Fashion 2025, contact Traci Allyn Shur at 786-213-0003 or visit www.msfocus.org.

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This year’s event saw nearly 250 golfers and supporters come together to raise an impressive $500,000, bringing the total amount generated over the event’s 31 years to more than $8.5 million. These funds play a crucial role in assisting pediatric patients and their families throughout South Florida.

 “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital attracts patients from throughout Florida and families should remain close to children during treatment, as Cindy and I did when our son was a baby,” says Jeff Conine, a former Miami Marlins player. “We don’t want parents to have travel or financial burdens during what are already some of the most stressful times imaginable.”

Presented by Custom Rod & Reel, the golf classic also attracted numerous celebrity athletes who participated in every foursome. Notable attendees included Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, Livan Hernandez, Preston Wilson, Anibal Sanchez, Cornelius Bennett, Dennis Martinez, Gaby Sanchez, Cliff Floyd, and Rick Cerone, among many others. The continued success of this event highlights the generous support of the community in ensuring families have access to necessary resources during challenging times.

To learn more about the hospital’s nonprofit foundation, visit here.

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