Governor Greg Abbott has declared October 2025 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas, aiming to increase public understanding about the dangers of fentanyl and promote efforts to prevent further loss of life.
“Across Texas and the United States, people unknowingly make a deadly decision by taking pills laced with fentanyl and lose their lives as a result,” Governor Abbott said. “That is why I launched the statewide, comprehensive ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign to educate the public on the deadly fentanyl crisis that endangers Texans of all ages. I encourage my fellow Texans to speak openly and have meaningful conversations about the dangers of fentanyl as we recognize Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to help save lives and fight for a future free from fentanyl poisoning.”
As part of ongoing efforts, earlier this year Governor Abbott announced an online interactive map created by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This resource helps residents find locations where they can access Naloxone (NARCAN) either for free or for purchase. The map supports the broader “One Pill Kills” campaign by providing information on where over-the-counter NARCAN is available to help prevent opioid poisonings.
Recent data from DSHS shows that after five consecutive years of rising fatalities due to fentanyl poisoning—where deaths increased by more than 600% between 2019 and 2023—there has been a significant decline. From July 2024 through June 2025, deaths attributed to fentanyl poisoning fell by over 42% compared with the previous year-long period. More than 7,000 Texans lost their lives from fentanyl-related poisonings during those four years.
The state continues its educational outreach and harm reduction initiatives as part of its response to the ongoing opioid crisis.
