The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8093, which designates May 2026 as "Nonopioid Alternatives Awareness Month" in the state. This resolution comes in response to the ongoing opioid crisis, highlighted by the renewal of the nationwide Opioid Public Health Emergency Declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The resolution acknowledges the complexity of the opioid epidemic, which includes both illegal substances and legally prescribed medications, and notes the alarming statistics regarding drug overdose deaths, particularly among African American communities.

The resolution aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with opioid use and promote the effectiveness of nonopioid therapies for pain management. It references updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which emphasizes the importance of maximizing nonopioid treatment options to mitigate the risks associated with opioid prescriptions. By designating May 2026 as a month dedicated to this cause, the Florida House seeks to encourage public understanding and support for alternative pain management strategies.