DPS increases awareness of fentanyl poisoning

Austin—The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its One Pill Kills public awareness efforts as part of Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott last year, House Bill 3144 established October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.

“Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, and it is now more important than ever that we talk to our families, children, friends, and loved ones about just how prevalent it is in communities across Texas,” Steven McCraw, DPS director, said. “We must do everything we can to get the word out about this deadly drug to save lives.”

DPS would also like to remind Texans about its Safety Education team, which offers specialized programming to schools, churches, community groups, and other organizations that would like to learn more about the statewide One Pill Kills campaign and the dangers of fentanyl. This presentation can be tailored for various audiences and age groups and is free of charge.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become widespread, often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine or counterfeit prescription pills. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has seized more than half a billion lethal doses of fentanyl, more than enough to kill every man, woman, and child in America.

SOURCE Texas Department of Public Safety