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Pasco County board proclaims county an 'Inclusive Recovery County,' highlights local recovery resources
Summary
The Board adopted Resolution 25-260 proclaiming Pasco County an Inclusive Recovery County and recognized local organizations that run recovery services and outreach; speakers described the Always Center, Hope Shot resources and regional collaboration with neighboring counties.
The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on June 17 adopted Resolution 25-260 proclaiming Pasco County an "Inclusive Recovery County," a designation intended to highlight local and regional support for people recovering from substance-use disorders.
The resolution says the county will "promote and champion recovery by creating a visible supportive environment" and encourages public awareness initiatives and partnerships with local organizations. Commissioners read the resolution into the record and welcomed representatives from community recovery partners to the dais.
A representative of Alliance for Healthy Communities and Hope Shot Drug Free America Foundation described local services and a drop-in Always Center that offers food, clothing and 24/7 phone lines for people seeking help. The representative said the Always Center is located at 6020 U.S. Highway 19 and pointed board members and residents to online resources including empoweredcommunities.org and hopeshot.org and the Hope Shot mobile app.
"Inclusive recovery means breaking down stigma," the representative said, and the proclamation signals Pasco County's commitment to making recovery accessible and equitable, the presenter said. The speaker also noted that neighboring counties had passed similar proclamations and described local collaboration with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Commissioners thanked the organizations for their work. Several commissioners who toured the Always Center described onsite services including emergency assistance and employment training connections. Commissioner Starkey encouraged residents to visit and to use the center as a community resource.
The board approved the proclamation by voice vote and the meeting included a short photo opportunity with recovery partners after the vote.
County staff and the presenters said residents in need can call the Always Center's hotline and use the Hope Shot app to find recovery resources, meetings, hotlines and links to crisis services. The resolution does not create a new program or budget; it affirms the county's intent to elevate recovery services and collaborate with community partners.
