Governor Greg Abbott has declared October 2024 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. The initiative aims to raise awareness and educate Texans about the dangers of fentanyl in an effort to save lives.
“Fentanyl is a clandestine killer that rips away loved ones forever," said Governor Abbott. "Texas continues to take significant action to combat the growing fentanyl crisis that is plaguing our state and our nation. Last year, I signed a law designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas to ensure all Texans, particularly our children, know about the dangers of deadly fentanyl. As part of Texas’ ongoing ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign, we are raising awareness about the deadly consequences of fentanyl and educating Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisonings to protect a family member, friend, and neighbor. Working together, we can fight back to save countless lives from this deadly threat."
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. In Texas alone, fentanyl-related deaths have increased by over 600% from 2019 to 2023, claiming more than 7,000 lives in four years. Recognizing signs of fentanyl poisoning and discussing its dangers openly are essential steps in saving lives.
In response to this crisis, Governor Abbott signed four key laws last year:
House Bill 6 (Goldman/Huffman) creates a criminal offense of murder for supplying fentanyl that results in death. It also enhances penalties for manufacturing or delivering fentanyl and mandates that deaths caused by fentanyl be listed as such on death certificates.
House Bill 3144 (Lujan/Campbell) officially establishes October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.
House Bill 3908 (Wilson/Creighton), known as Tucker’s Law, requires public schools to provide research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness for students in grades 6 through 12. It also mandates the designation of a Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week by the Governor.
Senate Bill 867 (West/Rose) permits the distribution of opioid antagonists like NARCAN at Texas colleges and universities to prevent opioid poisonings.
