Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has proclaimed October 2023 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in the state. The proclamation comes in response to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related fatalities and the devastating impact of the drug on communities across Texas and the nation.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just two milligrams of the drug can be lethal. Historically used under medical supervision to treat severe pain, fentanyl has now become a deadly illicit substance, with fentanyl-related deaths increasing dramatically in recent years.

According to Governor Abbott, fentanyl is now the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. In Texas alone, fentanyl-related deaths have increased by over 500% from 2019 to 2022, claiming the lives of more than 4,800 Texans in just three years.

The Governor highlighted the role of Mexican drug cartels in manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, often disguised as painkillers, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and even candy. Victims of fentanyl poisoning are often unaware that the substances they bought online or received at parties are laced with the deadly drug.

To combat the fentanyl crisis, the State of Texas launched the "One Pill Kills" public awareness campaign in October 2022. The campaign aims to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisonings. In April 2023, Governor Abbott hosted the One Pill Kills Summit, bringing together families, law enforcement, education leaders, state officials, and fentanyl advocates to raise awareness and discuss solutions to save lives.

In addition to these efforts, the Texas Legislature passed and signed House Bill 3144 into law, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas. This law, along with several others, is part of the state's comprehensive response to the growing national fentanyl crisis.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of every Texan being aware of the fentanyl crisis and understanding the risks associated with the drug. He encouraged open discussions about the dangers of fentanyl and the availability of opioid poisoning reversal medication naloxone, such as NARCAN.

By observing Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, Governor Abbott hopes to raise awareness, save lives, and protect friends, family members, and loved ones from this clandestine killer. He calls on all Texans to acknowledge the scourge of fentanyl and participate in appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout October.

In conclusion, Governor Abbott's proclamation of Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas sends a powerful message about the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis. By raising awareness and educating the public, the state aims to combat the devastating impact of fentanyl and ultimately save lives.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-proclaims-october-2023-fentanyl-poisoning-awareness-month-in-texas