Austin Public Health (APH) has unveiled a comprehensive resource hub aimed at tackling the opioid overdose epidemic in the community. This new hub provides essential information and tools to raise awareness and offer support for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort in the fight against opioid overdoses. “Thanks to the work of the City of Austin, Travis County, and our many community partners, we have resources available to fight this overdose epidemic. We must ensure that our community is aware of all that is available,” Walkes said. “Let’s take the time to familiarize ourselves with all the help that is available – it will save lives.”
The Austin-Travis County Opioid Resource Hub includes valuable resources such as:
- Opioid Overdose Dashboard & Surveillance Reports: Tracks the community’s overdose statistics and impact.
- Local Treatment and Recovery Services: Offers connections to resources for those in need of help.
- Outreach Materials and Toolkits: To help raise awareness about the dangers of opioids.
- Information on Naloxone/Narcan: Details on where to find life-saving naloxone in Austin-Travis County.
- FAQs on Opioid Use and Overdose Prevention.
Since December 2024, APH and its partners have distributed 2,134 doses of naloxone to the community, further demonstrating the commitment to combat the opioid crisis.
The resource hub is the result of a joint initiative involving APH, Travis County, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Communities for Recovery, Integral Care, Texas Health and Human Services, and Central Health.
In addition to the hub, experts recommend that the public learn to spot the signs of an opioid overdose and take immediate action. The new platform provides essential guidelines on recognizing overdose symptoms and using naloxone effectively.
For more information on how to spot and prevent opioid overdoses, visit www.one-dose.org.
