FOX 35 Care Force: Orlando Police substance abuse victim advocate honored

The call could come any day at any time, and it's Lauren Sumeersarnauth?s job to answer that call and provide compassion and resources to people in the worst moments of their lives. She is the one and only substance abuse victim advocate at the OPD. She responds to all overdose deaths, maintains 24/7 on-call coverage, follows up with families, makes referrals for surviving victims and partners with care organizations in the community. The OPD conducts donation drives for Christmas gifts, Easter baskets and back-to-school supplies in an effort to support the smallest victims of the opioid epidemic. Throughout the year, Sumeersarnauth also hosts advocacy and awareness events to bring resources together for hundreds struggling with opioid abuse. She also coordinates and partners with Project Noelle, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families and children who have been affected by the loss of a parent due to an overdose.