Subject:
Title
Board Consideration, Re: New Appointments to the Opioid Misuse Abatement Advisory Committee
End
Fiscal Impact:
No Fiscal Impact
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners review applications and resumes and elect four applicants to fill the vacant seats of the Opioid Misuse Abatement Committee.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
On October 26, 2021, Brevard County Board of County Commissioner (BoCC) approved the County to act as a “Qualified County” under the Florida Opioid Settlement Plan and Adopted a Brevard County Opioid Misuse Abatement Plan in accordance with the Core Strategies and Scheduled uses mandated by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
On July 7, 2026, the BoCC approved the removal the Opioid Review and Recommendations Committee from the TIP Advisory Board structure and established the creation of a standalone Opioid Misuse Abatement Advisory Committee. The Opioid Misuse Abatement Advisory Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the BoCC and County administration regarding the planning, implementation, and oversight of opioid settlement-funded initiatives. The committee shall be responsible for reviewing and prioritizing Core Strategies and Approved Uses and providing funding recommendations regarding the allocation of opioid settlement funds to the BoCC for funding approval.
The criteria for Opioid Misuse Abatement Advisory Committee members are citizens who represent community involvement with preference given to applicants with experience in but not limited to addiction medicine, nursing, physicians and advance practice providers, behavioral health, mental health counseling, licensed clinical social work, substance use treatment, certified recovery support or peer recovery services, public health, emergency medical services, education, community based nonprofit work, healthcare administration, individuals with significant professional experience serving people affected by substance use disorders.
The Department has solicited members through press releases and on the County website and has received seven applications from residents for the four vacant seats. All applications and other supporting documents have been attached for review.
It is requested that the BoCC review the following applications and resumes and elect 4 applicants to fill the vacant seats:
• Zilpa Vega
• Dr. Christal Dickun
• Katie Tennis
• Amaya Vinuela
• Tina Edwards
• Melissa Brandt
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None