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Miramar commission proclaims International Overdose Awareness Day; speakers stress fentanyl risks and prevention
Summary
The commission presented a proclamation for International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and heard remarks from commissioners and local prevention coalitions emphasizing fentanyl dangers, school outreach, Narcan access and upcoming awareness events including an Oct. 18 "Music and Lights for Life" benefit.
The Miramar City Commission on Sept. 3, 2025, presented a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness Day and heard testimony from local prevention coalition members, victim advocates and family members about the local harms of overdoses and fentanyl.
Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, who requested the proclamation, opened the discussion by urging awareness and prevention. "You don't have to take it. All you gotta do is touch it regardless of your age, and it will kill you," Chambers said, describing fentanyl as a leading cause of overdose deaths and stressing the need for community education and harm reduction.
Representatives from local coalitions and nonprofits described ongoing outreach in Miramar schools and communities. Romney (also spelled Romley in the record) Vertis, program coordinator for the Substance Abuse Reduction Alliance Coalition, presented certificates to coalition members and thanked Commissioner Chambers for facilitating school access. Speakers also included Nadege Vilsaint and Mari Carmen Rodriguez of Iman's Life Foundation; Rodriguez spoke about losing her daughter Iman in 2023 to a fake pill and urged continued prevention work. Rodriguez invited residents to an Oct. 18 Music and Lights for Life event.
Commissioners and staff noted local resources and interventions. Vice Mayor Yvette Colburn recognized the city’s commitment to prevention and said the proclamation underscores priorities including education, naloxone access, and support services. Commissioners also discussed Narcan availability through community organizations and office distribution; the meeting referenced local training and distribution efforts.
The commission presented the proclamation to coalition representatives and supporters; the event included remarks from coalition members about school programs at Glades Middle School and Miramar High School and a pledge by one speaker to donate $1,000 to support the coalition’s work.
