Governor Greg Abbott has declared October 2025 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas. The initiative aims to inform residents about the risks associated with fentanyl use and promote education to help prevent fatalities.
“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,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
The proclamation comes alongside ongoing efforts by state agencies to address the opioid crisis. Earlier in 2025, an online interactive map was introduced by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This resource allows Texans to locate places where they can obtain or purchase Naloxone (NARCAN), an emergency medication used to counteract opioid overdoses. The map is part of the larger “One Pill Kills” public awareness campaign.
Data released by DSHS shows a notable decrease in deaths related to fentanyl poisoning in Texas. Between July 2024 and June 2025, such deaths dropped by more than 42% compared with the previous year. This reduction follows five consecutive years during which deaths increased sharply—rising over 600% from 2019 through 2023, resulting in more than 7,000 fatalities statewide during that period.
