www.hhs.texas.gov Open in urlscan Pro
2a02:26f0:7100::5f64:8799  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET /search

<form action="/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-acquia-search-search-page" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-form">
  <div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textfield js-form-type-textfield form-item-search js-form-item-search">
    <label for="edit-search" class="usa-label control-label">Search the Texas HHS site</label>
    <input placeholder="Search the site" data-drupal-selector="edit-search" type="search" id="edit-search" name="search" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" class="form-text usa-input">
  </div>
  <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-acquia-search" type="submit" id="edit-submit-acquia-search" value="Go"
      class="button js-form-submit form-submit usa-button usa-button--accent-cool"></div>
</form>

Text Content

Skip to main content

An official State of Texas website.

Here's how you know.

Here's how you know.

 * Apply for Benefits(link is external)
 * A-Z Index
 * Connect
 * Español
 * Subscribe(link is external)
 * Survey(link is external)

The .gov means it’s official.  
State and federal government websites often end in .gov. Before sharing
sensitive information, make sure you’re on an official government site.

The site is secure.  
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that
any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Texas Health and Human Services
Menu
Search the Texas HHS site

 * Home
 * Services
   * Search Services
   * Aging
   * Disability
   * Disaster Assistance
   * Financial
   * Food
   * Health
   * Mental Health & Substance Use
   * Questions About Your Benefits
   * Safety
   * Your Rights
 * Providers
   * Search Providers
   * Assistive Services Providers
   * Child Care Regulation
   * County Jail Reporting
   * Substance Use Disorder Services
   * Health Care Facilities Regulation
   * Health Services Providers
   * Long-term Care Providers
   * Medicaid Business Resources
   * Provider Training
   * WIC Providers
 * Business
   * Search Business
   * Contracting with HHS
   * Electronic Benefit Transfer Program
   * Grants
   * Licensing, Credentialing & Regulation
   * Open Enrollment Opportunities
 * Regulations
   * Search Regulations
   * Forms
   * Handbooks
   * Legal Information
   * Policies and Rules
   * Reports and Presentations
 * About
   * Search About
   * Financial Information
   * Community Engagement
   * Contact Us
   * Jobs at HHS
   * Leadership
   * Live and Archived Meetings
   * Meetings and Events
   * Process Improvement
   * Records and Statistics
   * Strategic Plans
   * Vision and Mission
 * Newsroom
 * Contact


BREADCRUMB

 1. Home
 2. Search Services
 3. Mental Health and Substance Use
 4. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources
 5. Fentanyl: One Pill Kills

Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis

Five Texans die every day, on average, from fentanyl poisoning. Understanding
the dangers of fentanyl is crucial in reducing the threat it poses to you and
your loved ones.

 * English
 * Español


FENTANYL: ONE PILL KILLS


WHAT IS FENTANYL?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than
heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl,
equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and
in counterfeit pills. As a result, many people may not know they're ingesting
fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning.





Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as
legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Texans, according to the
Drug Enforcement Administration. Some counterfeit pills are made to look like
prescription opioids like oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin)
and alprazolam (Xanax), or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall). Fake
prescription pills that are widely accessible can contain deadly doses of
fentanyl. They are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms — making
them available to anyone with a smartphone, including teens and young adults.
Texans should only take legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by
medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists in the U.S.


WHAT IS NALOXONE?

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including
fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak
with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at
home. A prescription is not required.


SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE:

 * Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
 * Face is extremely pale and/or feels cold or clammy to the touch
 * Body goes limp
 * Fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
 * Vomiting or making gurgling noises
 * Cannot be awakened or unable to speak
 * Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops


HOW TO SAVE A LIFE:

 1. Call 911 right away
 2. Try to wake the person up
 3. Give naloxone, if available
 4. Begin rescue breathing or CPR
 5. Turn the person on their side to prevent choking
 6. Stay with the person until emergency services arrive


WHAT YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS SHOULD KNOW



Many fake pills are made to look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet
(perk), opioids (painkillers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants
like Adderall (addy).

These fake pills are increasingly common, and fentanyl may be mixed into them.
Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly.

Be prepared to save a life. Learn the signs of a fentanyl poisoning and speak
with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at
home.




WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW



Whether you want to inform your child of the risks or are concerned about a
loved one who uses drugs, it's time to talk about fentanyl. Have a calm, direct
conversation, and listen without judgment. Work together to make a plan to stay
safe.

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including
fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death —
for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas
without a prescription.




HELP FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS



Due to high levels of stress, first responders and health care workers are at
risk for substance use disorders. The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential,
telephone support line available to EMS and health care workers. Callers can
access free peer support, learn how to navigate treatment and referral services,
and receive information on employment and licensing concerns.

Go to Heroes Helpline(link is external) or call 833-367-4689.




HOW CAN SCHOOLS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS HELP?

Schools and programs serving youth can increase awareness and create safe
environments for children. They can educate youth and their community on the
dangers of fentanyl and how to help prevent opioid misuse and addiction.

Schools and programs serving youth can be prepared for an opioid overdose by
having naloxone available and providing training on how to administer it. Also,
schools can update their memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local first
responders to ensure a plan is in place to immediately respond to an overdose.

 * Memorandum of Understanding Guidance – Texas School Safety Center(link is
   external)
 * School Health Services School Nurse Practice by Department of State Health
   Services
 * PAX Good Behavior Game: Evidence-Based Universal Preventive Intervention(link
   is external)
 * Naloxone Standing Order Request – Texas Opioid Training Initiative(link is
   external)
 * Overdose Prevention and Education Training – UT Health San Antonio, School of
   Nursing(link is external)
 * Lesson Plans and Activities – National Institute on Drug Abuse(link is
   external)


DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS


ANTI-FENTANYL FLYER



This community flyer provides general information about fentanyl and resources
to fight the fentanyl crisis. Download and share with friends and family (PDF).


SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT



This Social Media Toolkit (ZIP) provides social media posts and graphics you can
share to increase awareness about the fentanyl crisis.


OTHER GRAPHICS



Share these #OnePillKills graphics (ZIP) to increase awareness about the
fentanyl crisis.


LIVING WITH A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER?

Treatment and recovery are possible.

The Texas Targeted Opioid Response supports treatment and recovery providers
across the state. Get Help at txopioidresponse.org(link is external).

Additionally, Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) providers
offer Texans comprehensive services for fentanyl and other substance use.
Callers speak with a trained counselor who can assess needs and refer them to a
variety of services, including in-person and telehealth treatment. To find your
local OSAR, go to Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral.




TEXAS TAKES ACTION



HHSC is committed to addressing the opioid crisis and protecting the health and
safety of all Texans. The Texas Targeted Opioid Response(link is external)
(TTOR) is a public health initiative operated by HHSC through federal funding
from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. TTOR's
mission is to save lives and provide lifelong support to Texans with opioid and
stimulant use disorders by expanding access to prevention services, integrated
services, treatment services and recovery support services.

Learn more:

 * Texas Targeted Opioid Response(link is external)
 * Fentanyl DrugFacts – National Institute on Drug Abuse(link is external)
 * Get Smart About Drugs – Drug Enforcement Administration(link is external)
 * Texas Poison Center Network(link is external) (800-222-1222)
 * Drug Enforcement Administration(link is external)
 * Fentanyl Facts – CDC(link is external)



 * 211 Texas(link is external)
 * Apply for Benefits(link is external)
 * Compact with Texans
 * Department of State Health Services

 * Email Encryption
 * File Viewing
 * Jobs at HHS
 * Notice of Privacy Practices

 * Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse
 * Statewide Search
 * Texas.gov
 * Texas Homeland Security

 * Texas Veterans Portal
 * Website Policy
 * Website Help

© Copyright 2016-2024. Texas Health & Human Services Commission. All rights
reserved.

Facebook(link is external) Instagram(link is external) LinkedIn(link is
external) Twitter(link is external) YouTube(link is external)
Back to top