Austin Public Health News
Austin-Travis County Receives Naloxone Doses to Combat Overdoses

By Anonymous on Oct 23, 2022 11:18 am

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Travis County, along with much of the country, is experiencing an increasing rate of opioid overdoses in 2022. Most concerning, our younger populations are becoming part of this trend. City leaders and staff have been working to obtain medication such as naloxone, which is in high demand and short supply. Thanks to a recent delivery of naloxone, medication will be more readily available to save lives and prevent future heartbreak caused by this epidemic.  

"This delivery of medication is a boon to our efforts of reducing overdoses," said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. "We have seen far too many cases involving opioids ending in tragedy in our community."

Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, has provided a one-time donation of 9,900 doses of naloxone to the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance. Health officials warn that responsive medication should be our last resort and preventive measures such as increasing awareness of the dangers of these drugs, especially to our teens, is key to avoiding overdoses. The City, County and Central Health are partnering to produce an educational campaign geared toward, teens, parents/caregivers and loved ones of those who are in of help with drug addiction. 

"In Travis County we declared a health crisis to help save lives and directed resources and efforts to stop drug overdose deaths, including by increasing community access to Naloxone" said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. "Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction, and we all must do more to help our community have access to the resources they need, like a streamlined process for tracking overdose data from law enforcement, hospitals, and public health officials." 

"This donation of life-saving naloxone is critical to meeting the public health emergency challenge, saving lives and keeping our community safe," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. "Opiate addiction strikes all kinds of people; it does not discriminate. We will also emphasize education and awareness among those who are best able to support those most at risk because prevention is the first goal."

Naloxone works by attaching itself to opioid receptors, reversing and blocking the effects of opioids. This will quickly restore breathing to someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an overdose. 

Opioids present a risk as they can become addictive. Regular use of opioids can lead to increased tolerance and dependence, which leads to seeking stronger, more frequent doses. You should only use opioids prescribed to you by your doctor.  

Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Anyone receiving naloxone for an overdose will also require immediate medical attention. 

“Austin-Travis County has a dire need for naloxone, and this delivery will work to save lives,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Equipping our community with this tool is just part of the mission to reduce overdose deaths moving forward.” 

Information on opioids and resources available in Austin-Travis County can be found here. 

About Direct Relief 

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.

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Early, extremely active flu season underway in Travis County as case rate tripled in days

By Anonymous on Oct 24, 2022 09:07 am

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) recommends vaccination and other preventive measures as the flu positivity rate recently tripled. Emergency departments have been inundated with children suffering from symptoms of flu-like illnesses. APH and local healthcare entities including Ascension Seton and St. David's HealthCare issued the following joint statement:

"Dell Children's Medical Center, part of Ascension Seton, and St. David’s Children's Hospital are currently experiencing a greater number of patients in pediatric emergency departments. We are seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses among children, not just in Central Texas, but nationwide. Many children experiencing symptoms consistent with upper respiratory illness can receive care at a doctor’s office or urgent care clinic.

Having the capacity to safely care for all patients is essential to providing ongoing healthcare services to our community, and we are asking for the community’s help.

It is important that we reserve our emergency departments for patients with emergent medical conditions. We are encouraging parents to access the most appropriate site of care for their child’s medical needs. If a child has flu-like symptoms, parents should call their doctor or take their child to an urgent care clinic. If they are having trouble breathing or have some other type of related emergent condition, they should go to an emergency department."

Travis County’s flu positivity rate was almost 33% the week ending Oct. 8. The previous week it was 11%. Traditionally it’s less than 1% this time of year.

“It's critical that everyone get a flu shot if they haven’t done so already,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “The numbers we’re seeing are really concerning. Flu shots can help prevent serious illness and protect friends and family who are at high risk for poor outcomes.”

Get Vaccinated 

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and they can be given at the same time. APH offers both at Shots for Tots/Big Shots and most pop-up clinics. The Mobile Vaccination Program (MVP) worked with community partners to host more than two dozen clinics last month to reach historically underserved communities. They administered 236 flu shots earlier this month at Boo the Flu and COVID, Too, and they’ll be set up at Wheless Lane Church of Christ for a Community Fun Day Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Flu A Palooza is next weekend, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Del Valle High School. 

Flu shots are also available at local doctors’ offices and pharmacies. Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you. 

About Austin Public Health  

Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes. 
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More to read:

COVID-19 booster recommendation expanded to younger age groups in time for fall gatherings
Austin-Travis County Seeking Qualified Volunteers for Public Health Commission
Austin Public Health & Travis County Partnering with Community Organizations for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics This Weekend
Austin Public Health & Travis County Partnering with Community Organizations for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics This Weekend
Boo the flu & COVID, too!