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Laredo drug-and-alcohol commission hears report showing downward overdose calls, urges continued naloxone outreach
Summary
At a lunch meeting, the Loretta Webb County Drug and Alcohol Commission heard an administration report showing recent declines in overdose-related calls, reviewed naloxone distribution and a free vending machine, and discussed pursuing Joint Commission certification and outreach to EMS and schools.
The Loretta Webb County Drug and Alcohol Commission on April (date not specified) heard an administration report that overdose-related calls in parts of Laredo have declined in recent months and discussed steps to widen naloxone distribution and partner training.
Dr. Lee Senna, presenting the administration report, said the commission’s GIS map of overdose-related calls continues to show clusters downtown and in southern neighborhoods but that the month-by-month totals were trending down. “March, we didn't have any overdose there, which is good news,” Dr. Lee Senna said. “It's looking good for the next month. So hopefully, we'll continue like that.”
The report noted ongoing naloxone distribution at community locations and a free naloxone vending machine available “downstairs,” which staff invited attendees to inspect. The presenter said the commission is increasing outreach and keeping a stock of supplies for distribution at events and partner sites.
Commission members and agency representatives discussed expanding school and first-responder education about overdose recognition and naloxone use. A member reported ongoing efforts to supply school nurses and campus safety staff with naloxone and to offer presentations to students and families; another described plans to connect with an EMS academy that will graduate about 38 paramedics in July so new first responders learn which community services exist.
Commission staff and partners also said the local program is pursuing Joint Commission certification, with a site review scheduled for July 1. A speaker described the Joint Commission as an organization that reviews inpatient and outpatient facility compliance with policies and emergency procedures and said the certification could improve grant opportunities.
The commission was told a former drop-in center has closed but that recovery-support services will continue through August. Several agencies at the meeting reiterated that outreach, trainings and multiagency coordination remain a priority while overdose trends are monitored.
Members emphasized that outreach must be coupled with repeated education: “Everybody has Narcan education,” a commission member said, calling for more frequent opportunities to put the information into community hands. Attendees also flagged the need to tailor school outreach to local district rules about what can be handed directly to students and to identify which district meetings could host presentations.
The commission did not take formal policy action on the report; it accepted the administration update and discussed next steps for outreach, training and public events.
