Texans Declare War as They Combat Fentanyl Crisis and Aim to Save Lives

The fentanyl crisis continues to plague the entire country, with deaths from this dangerous opioid continuing to rise everywhere.  Texans are not immune to this war on Fentanyl as the state fights its own battle with the rising opioid crisis.  As deaths from fentanyl in Texas last year climbed to nearly 1,700, the state’s leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, are declaring a war on the fentanyl epidemic.  Texas residents are ready to fight this war with new legislation to address this deadly crisis.  The proximity to Mexico and that country’s drug cartel have made the state particularly vulnerable for the effects of fentanyl.

Why Fentanyl is Such a Danger to Texans and the Rest of the Country

Killing on average four Texans each day, the dangers of fentanyl use are widely known.  Even products that are laced with a small amount of fentanyl can become deadly.  The Mexican drug cartel have been known to manufacture this dangerous opioid. Furthermore they disguise it as other drugs including painkillers, stimulants, anxiety medication, and even candy.  Furthermore, it’s important that Texans not only understand the danger of even the smallest amount of fentanyl but also how this deadly drug is being disguised and unknowingly ingested. 

Fentanyl is particularly prevalent in adults between the ages of 18 and 45. As a resultm, making it a leading killer for this age group.  The state has pledged to raise awareness by passing important legislation to educate residents about the risks that this powerful opioid pose.

Texas Legislature Proposes New Laws to Combat Fentanyl

The Texas Governor and Senators are taking action to combat the fentanyl crisis in their state.  As a result, public awareness campaigns are being launched state-wide to educate Texans on the danger posed by these drugs put into circulation by the Mexican drug cartel.  Deeming this cartel a terrorist organization, Texas has launched their ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign.  This campaign aims to educate Texas residents about how pills laced with even small traces of fentanyl can take a life.

Legislation, proposed by Governor Abbott, is being considered that would classify a fentanyl death as an act of poisoning. This allows for a murder charge to be brought against anyone distributing this opioid in the event of a death.  Government officials are also working hard to make NARCAN more widely accessible across the state to potentially save the lives of those exposed to fentanyl.

Texas Senator John Cornyn hosted a roundtable discussion at the Children’s Health Center in Dallas. HIs purpos was to educate the community on the dangers posed by even the smallest traces of fentanyl.  Cornyn further introduced legislation known as the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Reauthorization Act.  This act, which was passed unanimously over the summer, will provide funding for substance abuse disorder programs.

Texans Declare War as They Combat Fentanyl Crisis

With these new initiatives and the ongoing awareness of the dangers that fentanyl pose, Texas hopes to combat the drug crisis, saving lives across the state.  Together Texans can fight this growing epidemic, winning the war on fentanyl.

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