News, Events, and Highlights

4^th Annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day

Published 4/25/2025

Tuesday, April 29^th, 2025, marks the fourth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This observance was founded by parents who have lost someone due to the drug poisoning crisis. On this day, major corporations, community groups, nonprofits, government agencies, schools, campuses, and families take action to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and fake prescription pills.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Fentanyl is a major contributor to drug [poisoning] deaths in the U.S. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. Opioids—mainly synthetic opioids like illegally made fentanyl— are currently the most represented drugs in [poisoning] deaths.”

Learn more about National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the dangers of fentanyl, and life-saving naloxone. Use TODA’s Naloxone Locator Map to find free and reduced-cost naloxone in your area.

Published 3/27/2025

TODA is pleased to announce the completion of the Naloxone Locator Map. Please see the following excerpt from the Governor’s office press release for more information:

Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of an online interactive map by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that pinpoints where Texans can acquire for free or purchase life-saving naloxone (NARCAN) as part of the statewide "One Pill Kills" campaign. This new tool will help Texans locate over-the-counter NARCAN to prevent fentanyl poisonings and help save lives.

“This NARCAN locator map is another tool in our fight against fentanyl-related poisonings that have affected Americans in such a devastating way,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “Health care providers, first responders, and members of the public can pick up and have this life-saving medication on hand and ready for use for when an opioid overdose emergency occurs.”

The new online map includes a search bar where visitors can type in an address or zip code to see nearby naloxone locations. Information displayed for each location includes the type of site (e.g. community health clinics, recovery support services, vending machines), their hours, phone number, website, and more.

Learn more about TODA, read the full press release, and use the interactive map. For additional information or questions, email toda@dshs.texas.gov.

TODA Supported Toxicology Expansion Program (STEP) and Drug Poisoning Supplemental Announcement

Published 3/11/2025

The TODA Supported Toxicology Enhancement Program (STEP) offers free expanded comprehensive toxicology testing for eligible counties. TODA STEP is a partnership between DSHS and NMS Labs. The program’s goals are:

• Support comprehensive toxicology testing for Texas medical examiners and justices of the peace.
• Increase ability of offices to identify specific drugs associated with unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning deaths.
• Cover a variety of test codes for drug poisoning deaths when ordered under a TODA-supported account.

To learn more about STEP and check eligibility, please email toda@dshs.texas.gov

TODA also developed a Drug Poisoning Supplemental for offices conducting death investigations to use for reporting scene information for drug poisonings. The supplemental supports the streamlining and standardization of death investigations for medical examiner offices and justices of the peace. Please email toda@dshs.texas.gov to request a copy.

Decrease in Drug Poisoning Deaths

Published 2/13/2025

Drug poisoning deaths decreased 17% in the U.S. between July 2023 and July 2024 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). According to the Drug Policy Alliance, a few key public health interventions helped tens of thousands of people stay alive. They are:

• Opioid-reversal drug naloxone
• Increased access to medications for opioid use disorder
• Increased education 

Yet, during that same period, over 93,000 people still died of drug poisoning. Drug poisoning death rates remained high or increased in non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Latino, and Native American populations.

Drug poisoning remains a critical public health issue. One in four Texans has personal experience with an opioid-related drug poisoning. Following evidence-based public health solutions, such as access to naloxone and education about proper naloxone usage, can reduce drug poisoning-related deaths in Texas and across the U.S.

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