Laredo public‑health partners expand outreach: wound‑care kits, naloxone distribution and survivor referrals
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Summary
Public‑health partners in Laredo described a sharp multi‑year drop in opioid deaths, new wound‑care street outreach and a planned overdose‑survivor referral workflow; the committee also approved creating an official social‑media page to distribute PSAs and materials.
Public‑health partners in Laredo on the coalition meeting reported early 2026 data showing fewer opioid‑related deaths and outlined new outreach efforts to connect people experiencing homelessness and substance‑use challenges to care.
In a brief administrative update, a public‑health representative said, "so far for 2026, we do have 0 deaths reported," and presented multi‑year declines previously reported by staff. Speakers described continuing distribution of naloxone and wound‑care kits as both life‑saving interventions and opportunities to link people to health and recovery services.
Why it matters: Coalition members said the outreach reduces immediate medical risk and creates trust that can lead to treatment. Public‑health staff reported 84 naloxone (kit) boxes distributed so far in the first roughly two months of 2026, compared with roughly 1,300 in 2025 and about 1,200 in 2024; staff said the kits also open conversations and referrals to local clinics such as Gateway and to detox services.
Roots Recovery Center representative Jessica Gomez described service activity at the local detox: staff screened and served hundreds of people during the month, reporting 284 individuals in one monthly snapshot and noting an uptick in alcohol‑related admissions and in the number of women seeking detox. Gomez said the center conducts follow‑up outreach, including phone and home contacts, to try to bring screened people into services.
Members also discussed a proposed overdose‑survivor referral program to coordinate follow‑up after fire/EMS overdose responses. Presenters said the program would allow fire or outreach teams to offer educational materials and, when individuals consent, help place them on state wait lists for treatment so they can be connected to facilities they prefer. Speakers emphasized the program requires additional manpower and flagged recent federal funding reductions affecting some harm‑reduction grants.
The committee voted to create an official public‑health committee social‑media page and hosting process to distribute PSAs and coalition videos. The motion was approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded; a committee member is listed in the meeting transcript as the seconder.
Next steps: Legal counsel will review data‑sharing and referral workflows. Members asked to invite additional partners to the next meeting to discuss coordination and staffing for the referral program.
