The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation recognizing the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Williamson County. In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 3144 which established October as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.” Fentanyl is the number one killer of Americans ages 18 to 45.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), more than 58.3 million pills containing fentanyl and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized by the DEA in 2022. The drug comes in a variety of colors, shapes and forms which are often purposefully mixed with other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, more dangerous and more addictive.
Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Only two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose, killing victims that are unaware that they ingested the deadly drug.
The Commissioners Court encourages everyone to speak to friends and loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl. In addition, resources are available to help individuals. In Williamson County, residents can call the Bluebonnet Trails Community Services crisis line at 800-841-1255 or 9-1-1 for an immediate crisis where connection to mental health resources is available. In addition, Narcan or naloxone, which is used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses, is available through Bluebonnet Trails Community Services as well as at national pharmacies. Williamson County government buildings also store naloxone in all AED locations.
"We join Governor Abbott in the fight against fentanyl. It is a crisis that is taking too many young lives and devastating families,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell.
“Fentanyl is a drug that too often does not give people a second chance. One pill can kill. That is why we are part of the Central Texas Overdose Task Force and will investigate fentanyl poisoning deaths and hold those involved responsible for their crime,” said Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason.