News

Actions

New Number for Born Drug-Free Florida Helpline

pregnant woman
Posted at 4:14 PM, Jan 13, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-13 11:53:59-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- The Born Drug-Free Florida helpline number is now merging with the statewide mental health access line.

Born Drug-Free Florida is an initiative by Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness about babies born exposed to prescription drugs. 

They hope to educate expectant mothers on the importance of discussing prescription drug use with their doctors.

So far, 1,000 women have reached out to the hotline and approximately 200 expectant mothers have begun treatment.

Approximately 7 out of every 1,000 Florida newborns in 2011 were diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome -- a painful withdrawal from prescription drugs after birth.

The new number for the hotline, effective immediately, is 1-800-945-1355.