AI-Powered System Alerts Florida to Emerging Drug Threats in Real-Time

Tallahassee, FL – November 14, 2025 – Florida is piloting a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence system designed to provide real-time alerts about emerging drug threats, offering a potentially crucial advantage in the fight against the opioid crisis and the proliferation of dangerous synthetic substances. The platform, developed by Social Innovation Technologies (SIT) and implemented in partnership with Project Overdose, is already yielding early warnings, including a recent alert regarding the presence of carfentanil in multiple counties.

Unlike traditional surveillance methods that rely on retrospective data analysis, this new system proactively combines diverse data streams – including toxicology reports, emergency medical services data, law enforcement intelligence, and field reports – to identify patterns and predict emerging threats before they escalate into widespread public health emergencies.

“The speed at which new synthetic opioids and other dangerous drugs are appearing on the streets demands a more proactive approach,” said a representative from Project Overdose. “This system isn’t about reacting to problems after they happen; it’s about anticipating them and getting ahead of the curve.”

From Modeling to Real-Time Intelligence

The genesis of the platform lies in the work of Craig Mora, founder of Mosaic Consulting and co-founder of SIT. Mora, a former Chief Information Officer for the Florida Department of Health, initially developed the modeling concepts that underpinned the system. SIT then took over full engineering and statewide system development. The collaboration with Project Overdose, led by Andrae Bailey, has been crucial in ensuring the system is effectively implemented and integrated into existing public health and law enforcement workflows.

“We saw a gap in the ability to quickly process and analyze the sheer volume of data relevant to drug trends,” explained a source familiar with the project. “Traditional methods simply couldn’t keep pace. This system allows us to connect the dots and identify emerging threats in near real-time.”

A Unique Data Blend

One key differentiator of the system is its unique data blend. Beyond the standard sources used in drug surveillance – emergency department visits, overdose deaths, and seizures by law enforcement – the platform incorporates toxicology reports, which can provide early indicators of emerging substances. Critically, the system also analyzes data from employer-based urine drug tests (without any personally identifiable information), offering an additional layer of insight into drug usage patterns.

“The inclusion of employer-based testing data is significant,” noted a public health analyst. “It provides a broader snapshot of drug usage that isn’t always captured by traditional surveillance methods.”

Florida’s Ongoing Battle with the Opioid Crisis

The timing of this new system couldn’t be more critical. Florida has been grappling with a severe opioid crisis for years, with a 42% increase in unintentional and undetermined drug overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020. While the state has seen some recent declines in overdose deaths, synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to pose a major threat. The rapid emergence of novel synthetic cannabinoids and other dangerous substances adds another layer of complexity.

“We’re constantly seeing new drugs appearing on the streets,” said a law enforcement official. “It’s a never-ending battle. This system gives us a fighting chance to stay one step ahead.”

How the System Works

The AI-powered platform analyzes data in real-time, identifying patterns and anomalies that might indicate an emerging threat. When a new substance or a significant shift in drug usage is detected, the system generates an alert that is sent to law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and first responders. These alerts allow them to take proactive steps, such as increasing patrols in affected areas, issuing public health warnings, and preparing for potential surges in overdoses.

“The system isn’t designed to replace human intelligence,” emphasized a representative from SIT. “It’s designed to augment it. It provides analysts with the information they need to make informed decisions and take effective action.”

Beyond Florida: Potential for National Impact

While the system is currently being piloted in Florida, its developers believe it has the potential to be scaled up and deployed nationally. The underlying technology is adaptable and can be customized to meet the specific needs of different states and communities.

“We envision this becoming a standard tool for drug surveillance and public health emergency preparedness across the country,” said a source close to the project. “It’s a game-changer in our ability to protect communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse.”

However, some experts caution that the system's effectiveness will depend on several factors, including data quality, algorithm accuracy, and the willingness of stakeholders to collaborate and share information. Furthermore, ongoing evaluation and refinement will be crucial to ensure the system remains effective in the face of evolving drug trends.

Despite these challenges, the launch of this AI-powered system represents a significant step forward in the fight against drug abuse and a promising example of how technology can be used to protect public health.