Fentanyl Deaths in Texas Surge Since 2020: Advocacy and Awareness Efforts Intensify

Fentanyl,Texas

Fentanyl-related deaths in Texas have been on a troubling upward trajectory since 2020, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the deadly opioid crisis gripping the state. The heartbreaking story of Sandra Bagwell and her son Ryan Bagwell highlights the human cost of this epidemic and the critical efforts being made to prevent further tragedies.

Rising Fentanyl Deaths in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported a significant increase in fentanyl-related fatalities since 2020. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a highly dangerous substance. The surge in deaths is largely attributed to the widespread availability of fentanyl-laced drugs, often unknowingly consumed by users seeking other substances.

A Mother’s Tragic Loss

The devastating impact of fentanyl is poignantly illustrated by the story of Sandra Bagwell, whose 19-year-old son, Ryan Bagwell, succumbed to fentanyl poisoning in April 2022. Ryan consumed a single pill purchased in Mexico that contained a lethal dose of fentanyl—11mg, whereas a deadly dose is just 2mg. His untimely death has propelled Sandra into advocacy, leading her to co-found “Texas Against Fentanyl” (TXAF).

“We didn’t know he had started experimenting with pills. We don’t know how long he had. He knew about that law. We all knew about fentanyl. We warned him about it. But I guess he thought, you know, I’m getting it from a pharmacy. It should be safe.”

The Fight Against Fentanyl: Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF)

In response to her son’s tragic death, Sandra Bagwell became a leading voice in the fight against fentanyl. “Texas Against Fentanyl” is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting families affected by this deadly drug. TXAF aims to educate the public about the risks of fentanyl, which is now found not only in pills but also in heroin, cocaine, and vapes, making it increasingly pervasive and difficult to detect.

“But we need to warn everyone that it’s not just in pills anymore. It is in heroin. It is in cocaine. It is in vapes now.”

Awareness and Community Engagement

To further their mission, Texas Against Fentanyl is organizing an awareness event next month in the City of Mission. This event aims to educate the community about the dangers of fentanyl, provide resources for those struggling with addiction, and honor the memory of victims like Ryan Bagwell. The organization encourages individuals to visit their website, txAF.org, for more information and resources.

Legislative and Community Efforts

Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacio emphasizes that border communities are particularly vulnerable to the influx of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. “Fentanyl is a new drug that’s been coming around for the last 4 or 5 years. The problem is that they call it the pill that kills. So that’s the way we word it,” Palacio stated. Efforts are being made at both the legislative and community levels to address the root causes and mitigate the impact of fentanyl in Texas.

“Our goal is to provide objective testing and objective evidence to bring justice,” authorities emphasized.

The rise in fentanyl deaths calls for a unified response from law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Through advocacy, education, and legislative action, Texas is striving to curb the opioid crisis and prevent more lives from being lost to this deadly substance.