In the first six months of 2022, Opioid overdoses killed almost 200 people in Travis County, more than twice the number of deaths from car accidents or suicide. In 2021, the Travis County Medical Examiner Annual Report showed that drug toxicity was the number one cause of accidental deaths in the county. Overdose deaths involving Fentanyl, rose by over 237%.
Austin Public Health is requesting funding to implement a public health prevention and education strategy focused on those at high risk. The strategy will include investments in community capabilities to provide case management, harm reduction and recovery programs. The strategy will also focus on Narcan Risk Reduction education and training of first responders, health care professionals and other community members, including Community Health Workers.
APH and community partners will increase the community’s capacity to recognize substance use disorders, signs of opioid overdose, and appropriate interventions. Additionally, trainings for healthcare providers will include safe prescribing practices for pain and pain management.
Performance measures over the 1-year project period include: 1) Training for a combined minimum of 250 first responders (EMS, Police, Fire, public health), health care providers, CHWs, people who use drugs, and other community members; 2) Support for at least ten positions (peer recovery counselors/coaches for a community-based organization; at least six peer recovery counselors/coaches and/or case managers for social service providers; and one temporary full-time business process consultant at APH to manage this project); 3) public awareness campaigns; and, 4) agreement with local city/county EMS department for training, technical assistance, and harm reduction resources. By increasing our community’s capacity to collaboratively and equitably respond, Austin and Travis County have the opportunity to mitigate deaths and the adverse effects resulting from the opioid and substance use crisis.
