Government
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
Travis County sees decline in opioid deaths Travis County was awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to launch a jail-based substance use intake program as accidental opioid deaths declined for the rst time in over three years. “We’re certainly turning a corner,” Travis County Medical Examiner Dr. Keith Pinckard said. The overview Overdoses continue to remain the leading cause of accidental deaths in Travis County, prompting commissioners to renew a 2022 public health crisis declaration in November. As part of this e ort, the county allocated $100,000 for naloxone—a medication used to treat opioid overdoses—and an additional $300,000 for future overdose prevention programs in the upcoming year. Commissioners also directed sta to prioritize investments in opioid abatement strategies, including expanded access to treatment, increased naloxone distribution, and enhanced peer recovery services. The latest federal funding will support med- ication-assisted treatment, harm reduction approaches and peer recovery support within the Travis County jail system, and follow an individ- ual as they reenter the community. Overdose deaths are eight times more likely in the rst six months after a person leaves incarceration, according to local authorities. While serving a sentence, a person’s tolerance to substances often decreases. Upon release, if they use the same amount as they did before incarceration, it can lead to an accidental over- dose. Interim CommUnity Care CEO Dr. Nicholas
Federal funds to support Austin homelessness court Austin’s “problem-solving” court that largely handles cases related to homeless- ness is getting federal funding to o er more services across the city. The big picture The Downtown Austin Community Court, or DACC, runs a community service program for requirements tied to misdemeanor o enses; a storage service for unhoused clients; and o ers case management and help with housing and health care. Recently, DACC services expanded to cover more of the city and a Mobile Court program was launched to get out more resources and information. City Council formally accepted $1.45 million in Department of Justice grants this fall to build the court’s capacity for the next several years. Those involved in the DACC said the new funding will support the mobile court’s work with Austin’s homeless. Put in perspective Alfredo Reyes, Jr., an organizer with the homelessness, drug and criminal justice policy advocacy group VOCAL TX, credited the court for connecting him with resources while homeless. He also said he’s been incarcerated and struggled with substance use, challenges that the DACC is able to respond to.
Opioid deaths decrease
350 300 250 150 100 50 0
318
255
248
2022
2023
2024
SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Yagoda said medication-assisted programs reduce the likelihood of overdose after jail by half. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz and County Judge Andy Brown said recent commitments and investments are making an impact. “The progress we’ve made in reducing over- dose deaths this year is a direct result of the community’s dedicated e orts to work together and tackle this crisis head-on,” Brown said. The substance-use disorder program will be overseen by the Travis County Health and Human Services Department in collaboration with the county’s Sheri ’s o ce and local mental health provider Integral Care. Community partners like the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance will also work within the program to assist in the delivery of current- and post-inmate services, including working with individuals on reentry planning and provid- ing additional substance-use education and resources. “What we’re doing is working. Harm reduction is working. Education is working,” Luckritz said.
Austin names next parks and recreation director
“Austin is at a pivotal moment of growth and change, and parks and recreation are essential to ensuring our communities remain healthy, vibrant and inclusive. I am excited to work with our community members
nalists in early November, including interim parks director Angela Means and Aguirre, before making his selection Nov. 25. In his application, Aguirre said he brings a passion for social justice and inclusivity, and that he’d work to build public trust in the role. He previously led Washington, D.C. and Seat- tle’s parks systems, Austin’s Waterloo Greenway nonpro t, and chaired the National Recreation and Parks Association board of directors.
Jesús Aguirre will take the helm of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department in early 2025. The details Aguirre was chosen through a national search that started after the departure of former parks head Kimberly McNeeley in the spring. Recruit- ment by consulting rm Raftelis closed in October and drew scores of applications from around the country. City Manager T.C. Broadnax named three
to create spaces where everyone can thrive.” JESÚS AGUIRRE, APPOINTED PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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