Hays County applies for funds to create comprehensive fentanyl task force
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HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Hays County Commissioners Court approved on consent Tuesday an application for nearly $1 million in funding to develop a more unified strategy to tackle the fentanyl crisis in Central Texas.
The proposal comes as fentanyl overdoses emerge as the leading cause of death among people 18 to 45, according to the application. Further, overdoses in adolescents aged 10 to 19 increased by 109% from July 2019 to December 2021, according to the CDC.
If the proposal is approved, $909,460 will go towards training, equipping and sustaining a task force in Hays, Travis and Williamson County to address the fentanyl crisis.
“The absence of a unified state strategy to combat fentanyl manufacturing and distribution hampers law enforcement efforts, diverting resources from high-priority targets. The potency and accessibility of fentanyl, combined with a lack of training and coordination, diminish the effectiveness of investigative efforts,” read the grant application.
The task force will be a multifaceted initiative, supporting law enforcement, engaging with schools and the community and contributing to treatment efforts.
“In essence, the task force represents a holistic approach to promoting community well-being and resilience. Through collaborative efforts, the program aims to create a safer, more informed, and supportive environment for everyone involved,” the grant proposal read.