Governor Greg Abbott has declared October 2025 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas, aiming to increase public understanding about the risks of fentanyl and promote efforts to prevent related deaths.
“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.”
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott introduced an online interactive map developed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This resource allows residents to find locations where they can obtain Naloxone (NARCAN), either for free or purchase, which is part of the broader “One Pill Kills” campaign. The tool helps connect Texans with over-the-counter NARCAN options that can be used to counteract opioid overdoses.
Data from DSHS show that between July 2024 and June 2025, deaths caused by fentanyl poisoning dropped by more than 42% compared to the previous year. This decline follows five years during which fentanyl-related fatalities increased significantly in Texas—rising over 600% from 2019 through 2023. During those four years, more than 7,000 Texans died due to fentanyl poisoning.
