Austin Public Health dashboard shows rise in opioid-related overdoses

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health has been tracking the amount of overdoses over the last years from opioids. In a new dashboard, APH illustrates a rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths throughout Austin-Travis County.

In 2021, there were 170 fatal overdoses and 175 nonfatal overdoses that required hospitalization. The following year saw a drastic increase, with 1,089 overdoses reported from EMS calls and encounters, and 1040 overdoses from emergency department visits.

“This dashboard is part of an ongoing commitment by Austin Public Health and community partners to prevent the incidence of opioid-related overdoses and deaths, especially for populations at higher risk,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “By giving the public facts about the number of opioid overdoses in our community as well as the distribution of Naloxone and Narcan, we can raise awareness of how opioid overdoses are ravaging our families, friends, neighbors and loved ones, hopefully leading to greater action to help prevent overdoses.”

Just in 2022 alone, there were 12,142 total distributions of Naxolone in Austin-Travis County. Travis County Health and Human Services made Narcan available in Nov. 2022 through nonprofits by distributing more than 800 boxes and 1680 nasal sprays. APH also received a donation of 9,900 doses of Naxolone in October last year.

The purpose of the dashboard is to provide community with the data of opioid overdoses, as well as effort a stop to the overdoses and deaths.

“Starting with data is one of the key components of the resolution along with expanding naloxone-based interventions, training first responders and city departments with medical-assisted treatment options and developing a local plan of action that prioritizes prevention strategies and support services for substance use disorders,” said District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.