Second NARCAN Allotment to go to MC ISDs and Police Departments

MONTGOMERY, TX -- In a speech by Governor Greg Abbott’s in Austin last September, he announced a second allotment of 60,000 units of Naloxone (NARCAN) to be distributed to all Texas police departments as part of the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign. The governor signed a series of bills during the 88th Legislature, regular session, that allows more Texas law enforcement agencies, other than county sheriff’s departments, to be eligible to receive a portion of this allotment based on county population and size.

“Texas continues to lead the fight against the growing national fentanyl crisis, as President Biden's reckless open border policies allow historic levels of fentanyl to flood across our border and into communities across the country,” said Governor Abbott. “Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat Texas and our nation have ever seen, with five Texans losing their lives every day.”

NARCAN is a nasal medication that rapidly reverses opioid poisonings. In April, Texas launched an initiative with opioid manufacturers to distribute NARCAN to every county in Texas to combat this crisis. This new allotment of NARCAN, includes more Texas law enforcement agencies including municipal police, Independent School District police, and police departments at higher education institutions, to have access to the live-saving nasal spray to save lives from the effects of fentanyl poisoning.

“As we continue this important mission to combat the deadly effects of harmful drugs, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is determined to distribute this life-saving medication,” said TDEM Chief Nim Kidd. “TDEM is committed to continuing our support of Texas communities working to push back against the devastating impacts of the fentanyl crisis.”

TDEM has begun the new phase of distribution at law enforcement partners’ request for their jurisdiction's allotment. Last Spring, TDEM began circulating the first 20,000 units of the state’s allotment to each of the 254 county sheriff’s offices in Texas.

In a statement released by Montgomery Independent School District spokesman, Justin Marino, he said, “Montgomery ISD is aware of new legislation passed during the 88th Texas Legislature to raise awareness of fentanyl poisonings and to promote prevention efforts. The district is thankful for the attention our state lawmakers have given to this issue and has plans to share information with students and families. The district is reviewing guidance from the Texas Education Agency and intends to fully comply with the new laws that will impact school health policies and health education effective this school year. Additionally, the district is in possession of NARCAN and in the process of training all school police officers and appropriate school personnel on administering NARCAN.”

TDEM is notifying eligible law enforcement partners across the state of the upcoming distribution, and each may request their jurisdiction’s allotment through TDEM's State of Texas Assistance Request process.

“Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, and younger Texans, like me, are especially vulnerable,” said Leander High School graduate and student fentanyl advocate Jenna Mitchell. “Many students have never even heard about fentanyl or its deadly effects. There is a critical need to increase awareness and expand education on the dangers of fentanyl in our schools.”