Documents, interviews show how agencies responded to April 29th rash of deadly overdoses in Austin

Posted on May 13, 2024 by TCYSAPC

The rush of 911 calls from downtown AustinHow to Use Narcan to Reverse an Opioid Overdose was the first clue about the wave of overdoses to come.  At least 10 EMS units were sent to an alley near a nightclub on East Seventh Street and began treating people for overdoses after 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 29. One man … Continue to full story .......

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Why deaths related to Austin’s ‘overdose outbreak’ may not be ruled an overdose; Texas law will allow authorities to pursue murder charges

Posted on May 10, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Austin-Travis County EMS (ACTEMS) has seen nearly 80 overdoses since Monday linked to multiple drugs like Xanax, K2 and crack cocaine. However, medics believe the “deadly batch” of narcotics in Austin is laced with fentanyl. Under House Bill 6, which became law in 2023, any death in Texas linked

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ATCEMS: Austin’s ‘largest opioid overdose outbreak’ in years comes to an end

Posted on May 6, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Opioid epidemic: Overdose outbreak in Austin kills 8 people | FOX 7 AustinAUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s largest “overdose outbreak” in nearly 10 years is officially over, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS). On Friday, ATCEMS declared opioid overdoses have returned to their usual level following an uptick that started early last week.  “While some opioid overdoses continue, we are

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Use of Legal ‘Delta-8-THC’ Is Rising Among Teens – Is it Safe? Few Safeguards, Concerns for Health Risks

Posted on March 30, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Delta 8 THC Gummies (125 mg) | Very Potent Sleeping Aid | Chronic Pain – Rogue ShopMarch 12, 2024 (HealthDay News) — They’re cheap, easy to buy and now new research shows they have become the buzz of choice for American teens. Delta-8-THC products, which include gummies and vapes, are legal in 22 states and Washington, D.C. There is no federal minimum age requirement for buying

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Increased Risk for Suicide Attempts Among Children Who Use Tobacco Products

Posted on March 30, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Children who use tobacco products have significantly higher odds of suicide attempts up to 2 years following use. Children who report the use of tobacco products — including e-cigarettes and vaping — have a 3 to 5 times increased risk for suicide attempts (SAs), according to study results published in

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Travis County has ‘twice as many’ opioid deaths compared to other Texas counties, says ATCEMS

Posted on March 27, 2024 by TCYSAPC

 According to a presentation by Austin-Travis County EMS, Travis County is outpacing other Texas counties in opioid overdose deaths.  During a City Council Public Safety Committee meeting, ATCEMS highlighted disturbing data that shows the opioid crisis touched every part of the community.  The 2023 data is not available yet,

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Move over vape … Zyn nicotine pouches are flying off shelves and critics say they’re dangerous for kids

Posted on February 10, 2024 by TCYSAPC
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Stress is a key factor driving some teens to drugs and alcohol, CDC study warns

Posted on February 10, 2024 by TCYSAPC

The most common reason that teens said they turned to drugs and alcohol was to feel mellow, calm or relaxed, with nearly three-quarters citing this reason. Many other top reasons were related to methods to cope with stress, with 44% saying they use substances to stop worrying about a problem

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Texas consistently underfunds tobacco prevention programs according to American Lung Association report

Posted on February 1, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Texas has consistently underfunded programs designed to prevent and reduce tobacco use, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.  Texas received mostly failing grades in the organization’s annual report, which evaluates states’ work to cut tobacco use and help people who are addicted to nicotine.  In 2023,

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Study says High school students who use alcohol, cannabis or nicotine are at higher risk for mental health disorders

Posted on February 1, 2024 by TCYSAPC

High school students who reportedLegalize It But Don't Normalize It: Three Teens Speak Out Against High School Drug Culture | KQED using alcohol, cannabis or nicotine were more likely to have symptoms of mental health disorders than those who did not — even at low levels of usage, according to a new study published on Monday by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University

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Protecting Youth In The Context Of Marijuana Legalization: Creating A Legal And Regulatory Framework

Posted on January 22, 2024 by TCYSAPC

Lessons from tobacco and alcohol can avoid repeating past mistakes that led to high rates of underage drinking and, more recently, a youth nicotine vaping crisis.  Research shows that there are a number of effective ways to protect youth from marijuana use and that states must adopt a legal … Continue to full story .......

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Austin man gets 60 years for fentanyl possession/intent to deliver; Denton teen charged with murder for fentanyl death

Posted on January 22, 2024 by TCYSAPC

A repeat offender from Hays County was recently found guilty of fentanyl possession with intent to deliver, resulting in a 60-year sentence.  District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced Friday that 44-year-old Tony Robert Barrera III  was also found guilty of felon possession of a firearm, landing him another 50 years

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