BY MARK FADDEN & MIRANDA JAIMES
The context
Why it matters
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In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Adminis- tration approved Narcan for over-the-counter use/sale. Narcan is a 4-milligram naloxone nasal spray that can be used to reverse drug overdoses. Police officers in Keller, Roanoke and Fort Worth carry Narcan, and have been trained to administer it, officials said. In addition, school resource officers at Keller ISD and Northwest ISD also carry it. Local school resource officers are also working to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl, officials with Northwest ISD and Keller ISD said. "As of late, Narcan administrations seem to be going down in our community, said Rachel Reynolds, Keller's communication and public engagement manager. "We hope that is the result of enforcement and education and that we see that trend continue in the right direction."
Illegal drugs are cheaper than they’ve ever been, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said. That causes the issue to be more widespread across the county. “Fentanyl knows no boundaries,” he said. “It’s in our gated communities, in our inner cities, it doesn’t matter. It’s finding its way everywhere.” Waybourn said his officers also carry Narcan or have it in their vehicles.
The new unit will create a more coordinated effort to combat the use of narcotics in the county, officials said. “[This unit] can help piece some things together that [police] are working on ... and get these criminals off our streets,” Sorrells said. The county also provides information about how to recognize and respond to an overdose in progress.
Identify
Common symptoms of drug overdose include: • Anxiety • Delirium • Seizures • Severe chest pain • Severe headaches • Vomiting
Tarrant County drug seizures
Respond
2019
$11.51M
• Call 911 immediately • Administer naloxone or Narcan
2020
$6.95M
Resources
• Request free Naloxone: www.morenarcanplease.com • How to spot fake pills: www.dea.gov/onepill
2021
$25.96M
2022
$8.54M
SOURCE: TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TARRANT COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT
WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072 KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295
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