Mid City Times

Across the nation, fentanyl has become a major concern due to its role in opioid overdoses and drug overdose deaths. In fact, fentanyl accounts for the vast majority of opioid overdoses and almost 70% of all drug overdose deaths. Fort Worth, Texas, is no exception to this crisis, and the city's Fire, Police, and Neighborhood Services departments are working diligently to address the issue.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is incredibly potent. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

The Fort Worth Fire Department has been actively responding to suspected overdose and poisoning incidents. In fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the department responded to approximately 1,000 of these incidents each year. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an actual overdose or poisoning about 20% of the time. To combat these incidents, Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered in 65% of suspected overdose incidents in FY22 and 75% in FY23.

To further address the crisis, the Fort Worth Fire Department has received funding from the Neighborhood Services Department, along with the UNT Health Science Center and Tarrant County MHMR. This collaboration aims to mitigate the harms caused by opioid distribution and use. The FWFD will work closely with these groups, as well as the Fort Worth Police Department and MedStar, to reduce the abuse of fentanyl and other opioids in the coming year.

The Fort Worth Police Department has taken a targeted approach to respond to the fentanyl crisis. In 2017, the department started training and equipping officers with Narcan to protect both officers and residents from opioid exposures and suspected overdoses. Since then, 412 officers and civilians have been trained in the use of Narcan, with 357 doses currently issued and assigned to officers. In the field, 22 doses have been administered as a lifesaving measure.

In 2022, the FWPD established a team of narcotics investigators specifically focused on suspected overdose and death investigations related to drugs. These investigators are notified when patrol officers are dispatched to a call involving a suspected fentanyl overdose. In 2023, the team responded to 98 overdose-related calls, with 76 of those being fentanyl-related overdose deaths. Notably, the FWPD was one of the first agencies in Texas and the first in Tarrant County to indict a suspect on a murder charge from a fentanyl overdose.

The narcotics investigation team has also taken proactive steps to educate teachers, administrators, and counselors on how to recognize dangerous drugs. By raising awareness and providing knowledge, they aim to prevent drug-related incidents.

MedStar, a mobile healthcare group, has also played a crucial role in responding to fentanyl overdoses. Their overdose response team consists of a mobile health paramedic and a peer support specialist from the Recovery Resource Council. Between December 2021 and October 2023, the team received 3,168 referrals, with 373 patients receiving at least one program service during that period. On average, the team recorded 90 visits per month in 2023.

To better understand the density of incidents related to suspected fentanyl overdose and poisoning, a heat map has been created. This map highlights areas of concern, with upcoming initiatives targeting the Lancaster area near downtown and the Las Vegas Trail area.

Fort Worth is taking the fentanyl crisis seriously, with multiple departments and outside partners working together to combat the abuse and distribution of this deadly substance. By implementing initiatives, providing training and education, and responding swiftly to incidents, the city is making significant efforts to address the fentanyl crisis and protect its residents.

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To find out more, go to this link: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2024/1/fentanyl-response