To take the first step, call 786-487-3545
Are you or someone you love struggling with opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or pain pills? Help is closer than you think and recovery is within reach. Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS), in partnership with the University of Miami, is participating in a research initiative to bring lifesaving care to opioid users located in high-risk communities across Miami-Dade County. As part of this collaboration, the partners have launched a “Better Together” campaign to combat opioid addiction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6.1 million people ages 12 or older reported having an opioid use disorder in 2022. While overdose deaths are decreasing, opioids remain a major contributor, highlighting the continued need for education, prevention, and access to treatment resources.
“No one should have to struggle with opioids alone. It’s better together,” said Ryan Hawkins, president/CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System. “We are here to help. Treatment is available and recovery is possible for those who may be struggling.”
Opioids are powerful drugs that block pain signals in the brain that can be highly addictive and dangerous when misused. The Better Together campaign seeks to reduce the number of individuals with opioid addiction/opioid use disorder (OUD) in Miami-Dade county.
Always here to help, JTCHS connects individuals to compassionate, evidence-based care. The organization offers Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in outpatient primary care, support from trained, compassionate providers, and linkage to additional services.  To take the first step, call 786-487-3545.Â
About JTCHS
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
Ryan R. Hawkins (center), president and CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System, poses with volunteers and patients during the 2026 JTCHS Give Kids A Smile Day, an event where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
Dr. Lashunda Collins, DDS, provides dental services to a young patient during Give Kids A Smile Day, hosted by Jessie Trice Community Health System in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Dental Society. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
From left, Dr. Lashunda Collins, DDS; Dr. Deborah George, DDS, executive vice president and chief dental officer; and Dr. Ashley E. Reid, DDS, of Jessie Trice Community Health System at Give Kids A Smile Day, recently held at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
Jessie Trice Community Health System staff and volunteers pose during the annual Give Kids A Smile Day, recently held at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex, where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
A young patient poses with Jessie Trice Community Health System staff and volunteers during Give Kids A Smile Day, where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
