Newly released data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows fentanyl-related poisoning deaths dropped by more than 42% between July 2024 and June 2025 compared with the previous year.
The decrease marks the first significant decline in years after Texas saw fentanyl deaths rise over 600% from 2019 to 2023, which claimed more than 7,000 lives during the period.
Due to the decrease, Governor Greg Abbott declared October 2025 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to continue raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and to highlight recent progress in combating the crisis.
"Across Texas and the United States, people unknowingly make a deadly decision by taking pills laced with fentanyl and lose their lives as a result," Abbott said. "That is why I launched the statewide, comprehensive One Pill Kills campaign to educate the public on the deadly fentanyl crisis that endangers Texans of all ages."
Earlier this year, the state also launched an interactive online map to help Texans locate life-saving Naloxone (NARCAN) at pharmacies and community disruption sites. The tool is part of the broader One Pill Kills initiative.
"I encourage my fellow Texans to speak openly and have meaningful conversations about the dangers of fentanyl as we recognize Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to help save lives and fight for a future free from fentanyl poisoning," he urged.
The drop in fentanyl deaths signals progress in Texas but also underscores the need for continued education and prevention efforts.
