Texas is experiencing a growing drug poisoning crisis. Drug poisoning deaths have increased by more than 75% in the last five years. In 2021, the state reported 15.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, nearly double the rate from 2017.
To address this, Texas partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) initiative. TODA focuses on better understanding the changing overdose crisis and developing a comprehensive response.
In 2020, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) launched a three-year action plan to address substance use. The plan focuses on three key areas: improving surveillance, expanding education, and strengthening resources and services.
Another key effort is Naloxone Texas, a statewide initiative working to reduce overdose deaths through free naloxone distribution targeting high-risk areas and training programs that teach the public and professionals how to prevent and reverse overdoses.
Texas also operates the Safe Drug Disposal and Community Awareness Program (SDD/CA). This program works to reduce the misuse of prescription drugs by expanding access to safe disposal sites and offering education to high-risk communities. Sites include prevention coalitions, fire departments, and other community partners.