Friday, May 3, 2024
October is now Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month after Gov. Greg Abbott created and signed a proclamation for the month.
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it is a drug that can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent.
Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. A DEA analysis found counterfeit pills ranging from .02 to 5.1 milligrams of fentanyl per tablet.
“By coming together in this crisis, we can save more lives and ensure those around us are able to realize their dreams by reminding everyone that just one pill laced with fentanyl can take someone’s life. I encourage Texans of all ages to recognize October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month and to acknowledge the scourge of this deadly drug,” part of Abbott’s proclamation reads.
Just this year, Hood County has seen 21 fentanyl-related cases according to Lt. Josh Lane of the Hood County Sheriff’s Office.
“About five were overdoses, with one resulting in death,” Lane said.
In 2022, Hood County had four fentanyl-related cases and one in 2021. Two of these cases resulted in death.
“All illegal drugs are bad for what they do to a person, but Fentanyl is so much more deadly, with the numbers of deceased or hospitalized overdoses on the rise. We will continue to fight this war on illegal drugs. Losing any more people, especially from Fentanyl, is too much and has to stop,” Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds said.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, as of Aug. 25 there have been 841 fentanyl poisoning deaths this year. In 2022 there were a total of 2,189 fentanyl poisoning deaths.
The DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills to date in 2023, which already exceeds last year’s total of 58 million pills.
In June, Abbott also signed House Bill 3908 which requires each school district to annually provide no less than 10 hours of research-based instruction related to fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades six through 12.
In 2022, the state of Texas launched the One Pill Kills public awareness campaign to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisoning. This is partnership with the national campaign from the DEA that was created in 2021.
Granbury ISD will talk about the destructive effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug misuse, and renew its commitment to promote healthy and drug-free lifestyles as part of Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31. Students will also make posters to display around campus and have themed days to highlight the importance of being drug free.
Lipan ISD will also talk about the effects of druse use during its Red Ribbon Week and as part of its health curriculum. Throughout the school year, counselors hold presentations discussing the dangers of drug use to students and also provide drug awareness and student drug testing.
Tolar ISD will also focus on teaching awareness by talking about the dangers of fentanyl and discussing the importance of staying drug free.
The Hood County Substance Abuse Council has resources available for those dealing with substance abuse or those seeking more information.
“Our focus is to help coordinate community efforts and provide education and prevention services to the youth and adults of Hood County,” the HCSAC website reads. “The HCSAC is a coalition of community volunteers dedicated to the prevention of youth and adult substance abuse and supporting treatment services for those who need it.”
The HCSAC has an abundant number of resources for both adults and juveniles listed on its website at hoodcosac.org.
The Pecan Valley Center in Granbury provides substance abuse help and has numerous resources to help those struggling.
“Opioid abuse is rampant in Hood County and the rest of the state. At Pecan Valley Centers, we are taking an active approach. We offer outpatient substance use disorder services in all counties in our service area. Not only do we offer counseling, but we also provide education on different drugs, including opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. We focus on reducing stigma and increasing prevention and intervention,” Rachel Dye, a substance use disorder program director at the PVC said.
The best way to access outpatient substance use disorder services is to call 817-594-3225 or email SUD@pecanvalley.org. If you are interested in mental health services or are in a crisis, please call Pecan Valley Centers Crisis Hotline at 1-800-772-5987.
Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
If you see someone experiencing an overdose there are important steps you need to take including:
For more information on fentanyl, substance abuse and to find more resources visit the DEA’s website at dea.gov.
