The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) began distributing NARCAN kits, along with tactical emergency training, to every DPS Trooper throughout the state earlier this week.
Lubbock is anticipating the arrival of these kits, but when that will be is uncertain.
NARCAN is a nasal spray that helps reverse a known or suspected opioid overdose.
According to a news release provided by Texas DPS, opioid overdoses are a nationwide epidemic and NARCAN kits will help fight against it.
Just last year in 2018, Troopers seized 94.5 pounds of fentanyl which is a synthetic opioid 80-100 times stronger than morphine. This amount constitutes more than 23 million lethal doses.
Not only are the opioid users risking their lives, but risking the lives of the members of law enforcement on the job. When troopers go to save them, they themselves may be exposed to lethal levels of substances such as fentanyl. NARCAN kits can be used to save Texas Troopers’ lives as well.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement and said the state of Texas is committed to the fight against the opioid epidemic and to keeping the men and women of law enforcement safe.
“These NARCAN kits, along with the tactical training, are lifesaving resources that will help our law enforcement officers respond to opioid overdoses and save lives,” said Abbott.
Recently, a small percentage of troopers were provided NARCAN kits and training and the first kit was administered by a Texas Trooper in Hidalgo County on April 4.
DPS Director Steve McCraw said the trooper encountered someone on the side of the road who had overdosed on opioids. The trooper was able to save this person’s life through successful administration of a NARCAN kit.
“By providing every Trooper with a NARCAN kit,” said McCraw, “we are giving them another tool to save lives as they serve and protect their communities.”
Now, the kits are being released to every Texas Trooper and many are awaiting the arrival of the kits, including Lubbock.
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