KTBC-TV in Austin reported that opioid overdose deaths in Travis County have been steadily rising over the past decade. 
The news outlet reported that on average about 125 people in Travis County have died from overdoses over the last 10 years, with opioids contributing to about 42 percent of cases.
Some experts say that an increase in opioid abuse has led to a rise in the use of fentanyl-laced drugs. “We’re seeing an enormous increase in people overdosing,” said Mark Kinzly, interim executive director of the Austin Harm Reduction Coalition, according to KTBC.
Kinzly called it just the beginning of the crisis. The use of fentanyl-laced drugs has led to some drug-addiction nonprofits to begin providing addicts with fentanyl test strips. Many experts also warn people who deal with addicts to carry Narcan, which may be able to help prevent an overdose.
Dr. Phil Huang, medical director at Austin Public Health, said that although there has been an increase in opioid related deaths since 2006, some parts of the country have been hit much harder. Travis County announced earlier this year it was planning to sue the pharmaceutical industry over prescription drug opioid death, overdose and related costs.
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Source: http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/opioid-overdose-deaths-on-the-rise-in-travis-county
