Rules committee approves two appointments to opioid and substance use disorder grants committee

The rules committee approved two appointees to the city's opioid and substance use disorder grants committee during its June 16 meeting.

Deborah O'Neil introduced herself to the committee as vice president of community support services for Bridal Health Resource Center and described a personal family recovery experience motivating her interest. The committee recorded a unanimous vote on her appointment; the clerk announced "6 yeas, 0 nays" for item 20250357 and the appointee was told the formal appointment would be confirmed at the full council meeting on June 24.

The committee then considered the reappointment of Dr. Lanti Elizabeth Jornby, an addiction psychiatrist who said she has more than 15 years of experience in addiction medicine and community behavioral health and is working locally to open a mental health and substance use clinic in Duval County. The rules committee approved the amendment clarifying her substantial business interest, then voted to confirm her reappointment; the clerk recorded "7 yeas, 0 nays." Dr. Jornby said she has previously served on the opioid grant committee and that she had adjusted her schedule to attend committee meetings going forward.

Speakers who addressed the committee included the two appointees and Philip Peterson, the council auditor, who read technical amendments. Council members expressed support for both appointees and thanked them for volunteering to serve on the committee that oversees allocation of opioid and substance use disorder grant funds.

Both appointees were told their formal appointments would be placed on the full council consent agenda at the next council meeting; committee votes at rules advanced both nominations.