Texans looking to obtain naloxone to have on hand to reverse opioid overdoses can now search by address or ZIP code to locate their nearest distribution site, thanks to an online interactive map released by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The map is the newest tool in the state’s ongoing One Pill Kills campaign, which Gov. Greg Abbott launched in 2022 to combat the fentanyl crisis, and which TMA supported in its goal to reduce overdose deaths.
Included in the tool’s search results are process instructions, which vary by location and specify whether to call, order online, or drop in during hours of operation at participating organizations. Additional details can be found in the integrated links to the locations’ websites.
Physicians play an important part in publicizing DSHS’ naloxone locator map to their patients to build on the state’s momentum in continuing to decrease preventable deaths, says Michael Sprintz, DO, an anesthesiologist and pain and addiction medicine specialist.
“Anything that we can do to educate the public on how to get help is really significant,” said Dr. Sprintz, who sits on TMA’s Committee on Behavioral Health. He encourages physicians “to have a brief discussion with patients on opioids about naloxone and using it,” adding that the lookup tool’s anonymity also may encourage use.
The fentanyl crisis has shown signs of easing nationally, with overall drug deaths in the U.S. down roughly 25% from October 2023 to October 2024, according to provisional data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Texas has seen a smaller drop in reported year-over-year drug overdose deaths, from 5,779 to 5,009, a 13.3% decrease, based on CDC’s provisional data.
Dr. Sprintz says accidental overdoses are possible even in the absence of a substance use disorder, as opioids interact with alcohol and drugs like benzodiazepines and prescription sleep medications. He notes that patients who have other medical conditions or cognitive dysfunction are also at risk.
“People who have memory problems, elderly patients who may forget – they don’t have a substance use problem, but they may forget that they took their medication, and then they take it again and they accidentally overdose. So, it’s not just for what people would traditionally think of as someone with an opioid use disorder,” he said.
“Anyone who’s on opioids is at some level of risk for an overdose,” Dr. Sprintz cautioned, making the state’s new tool all the more valuable for patients to plan and proactively protect themselves.
Stay up to date on opioid news and resources by visiting TMA’s Opioid Crisis Resource Center.
Jessica Ridge
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1395