Fort Bend County Launches Opioid Overdose Prevention Campaign to Save Lives and Educate Residents
In response to the rising number of opioid-related deaths across Texas and the nation, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) has launched a countywide Opioid Overdose Prevention Campaign aimed at education, prevention, and life-saving action.
Funded through the county’s allocation from the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC), the campaign is a collaborative effort across several FBCHHS divisions—including Community Health and Wellness, Emergency Medical Services, Clinical Health Services, and the Fort Bend County Medical Reserve Corps. The campaign is focused on public education, community training, and expanding access to Naloxone, the emergency medication known for reversing opioid overdoses.
“Every life saved is a family preserved and a community strengthened,” said Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. “Through this campaign, we are equipping our residents with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize the signs of overdose and respond effectively. The settlement funds give us the critical opportunity to turn awareness into action and help prevent tragic loss of life”.
Why It Matters: Rising Opioid Overdoses in Texas and Nationwide
The campaign’s urgency is backed by alarming data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids were involved in nearly 80,000 of the 105,000 drug overdose deaths reported nationwide in 2023. That’s roughly 76% of all drug overdose fatalities. In 43% of those cases, a potential bystander was present—underlining the life-saving importance of making Naloxone readily available and training everyday citizens on how to use it.
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In Texas alone, opioid-related overdose deaths surged by 56% between late 2019 and early 2022, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Local Efforts with Countywide Impact
The Fort Bend County Opioid Overdose Prevention Campaign includes:
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Training & Distribution: County employees and community partners are being trained to recognize opioid overdoses and administer Naloxone. This training is led by the Community Health & Wellness and Clinical Health Services divisions, with assistance from the Fort Bend County Medical Reserve Corps.
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Public Education: FBCHHS has released a short video on social media platforms demonstrating how to use Naloxone safely and effectively.
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Awareness Campaign: A countywide push includes both social media messaging and a billboard campaign, supported in part by donated public service announcements from Clear Channel Communications.
“Our EMS teams witness firsthand the devastating impact of opioid overdoses in our community,” said Chief Dudley Wait of Fort Bend County Emergency Medical Services. “Proper use of Naloxone before EMS arrival can save lives, and by training county staff and community members, we’re ensuring more people are prepared to act quickly and effectively, giving individuals the best chance of survival”.
Equipping Communities to Act
By putting tools in the hands of residents, the campaign is helping to ensure that more people are ready to respond when seconds count.
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“Through this campaign, we are giving residents the knowledge, skills, and tools to respond in a life-threatening situation,” added Dr. Barbara Edwards, Mental Health Program Manager with the Community Health & Wellness division. “Education and access to Naloxone put the power to act in residents’ hands, helping to prevent overdoses before it’s too late”.
A Collaborative Public Health Mission
From frontline EMS responders to grassroots community education, the campaign reflects a united front across county services. Fort Bend County Health & Human Services continues its mission to protect residents’ health and safety through responsive, equitable programs that address both physical and mental health.
As opioid addiction and overdose continue to impact families across the Greater Houston area and beyond, Fort Bend County’s proactive efforts offer a model of hope, awareness, and community empowerment.
Residents seeking more information on opioid overdose prevention or Naloxone access are encouraged to contact Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.
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Email: hhs@fortbendcountytx.gov
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Phone: 281-238-3233
Residents are encouraged to explore the campaign’s growing library of resources—available online and throughout Fort Bend County—to learn how they can help prevent opioid overdoses and respond effectively in an emergency.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
