JFRD’s CORE Program helps individuals navigate their recovery journey with medication-assisted therapy. This program provides a range of services aimed at removing barriers to seeking care and guides participants on their road to recovery.
LSF’s statewide review for FY2025-26 identified JFRD’s CORE Program as a top 10 performer, resulting in the $64,000 award.
“I truly believe CORE is one of the most powerful things JFRD has done outside of the fire station,” said Captain Brielle Barnhill. “We’re meeting people where they are, removing barriers to care, and helping them find their road to recovery. We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition and the additional funding, which will allow us to continue this work and help even more people in our community.”
Much of the program’s success reflects Captain Barnhill’s leadership and the dedication of the JFRD CORE team. Her commitment to the individuals served, along with consistent and thorough reporting to LSF, has helped ensure the work being done in Jacksonville is accurately represented and recognized at the state level.
“Every family touched by opioid use disorder deserves a path back to stability, and this program helps make that possible,” said Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “This award is a reflection of the trust our community and our partners have placed in JFRD, and it will directly strengthen the support we’re able to offer those who need it most.”
CORE is a statewide Florida initiative that builds a comprehensive system of addiction care. Rather than relying on traditional treatment alone, CORE embeds care coordinators and peer navigators in emergency departments and connects individuals to long-term, wraparound services, aiming to interrupt the cycle of addiction.
The JFRD CORE Program remains committed to serving individuals and families affected by substance use and opioid-related challenges, and this award will help ensure the program continues to meet the needs of the community it serves.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with substance use disorder and would like more information on JFRD's CORE program, you may call 904-575-0503 or e-mail JFRDCORE@coj.net.
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JFRD CORE PROGRAM NAMED TOP 10 IN FLORIDA, AWARDED $64,000
August 14, 2026
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is proud to announce that its Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Program has been recognized as one of the top 10 performing CORE networks in the state for Fiscal Year 2025-26, earning a $64,000 award from Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) to help supplement its ongoing efforts supporting individuals suffering from opioid use disorder.