During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I met with victim advocates across the spectrum. We honored victim advocates during an awards ceremony, and we assembled the first Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns.
To commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I hosted an awards ceremony for victim advocates on Thursday. We recognized four law enforcement officers and three victim advocates for their selfless dedication to helping crime victims. It was an honor to meet these outstanding men and women. To read more about the award recipients, click here.
Also this week, I convened the first meeting of the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns. Our state is facing a heart-wrenching epidemic where innocent babies are born victims of prescription drug abuse. We must do everything we can to protect these infants and prevent prescription drug abuse by expectant mothers.
The Task Force was created to examine the scope of the problem of prescription drug abuse by expectant mothers, the costs associated with caring for babies with neonatal withdrawal syndrome, the long-term effects of the syndrome, and prevention strategies. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, participated in the meeting as a special guest. This week’s Task Force meeting was a major step forward in protecting newborns from prescription drug abuse.
This Saturday, the Drug Enforcement Agency and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are holding drug take-back days. These events are a great way to rid your home of unnecessary prescription drugs. Eliminating these drugs is a key step in preventing prescription drug abuse. To learn more, click here.
Protecting Floridians
Florida Announces an Agreement with MetLife Insurance Companies – Could Return Over $500 Million to Consumers
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced a settlement between nine Metropolitan Life (MetLife) insurance companies and the Florida Department of Financial Services, overseen by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, the Florida Office of the Attorney General, overseen by Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation along with the lead states in the investigation. The agreement pertains to the location of life and annuity beneficiaries and the reporting of unclaimed property. Click here to read more.
Events
On Monday, Attorney General Bondi spoke at the Victims Assistance Information and Resource Fair in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Attorney General Bondi spoke to the Capital Medical Society on Tuesday and discussed her efforts to stop the pill mill crisis in Florida.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Bondi spoke to the Mosaic Blue Chips, a group of young professionals, about her top priorities. She thanked them for their hard work and leadership skills.