DALLAS COUNTY, TX — Fentanyl remains a leading cause of drug-related overdoses in Dallas County, but new data shows a significant decline in deaths linked to the synthetic opioid. According to the 2025 Threat Assessment released by the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), fentanyl-related deaths have dropped by more than half.
In 2023, the county recorded 282 fentanyl-related fatalities. As of November 2024, that number had decreased to approximately 140.
Officials attribute the reduction to multiple coordinated efforts, including the deployment of opioid response teams, placement of peer navigators in hospital emergency departments, and an expansion of public education campaigns. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has played a key role in this strategy, aiming to address the crisis beyond criminal prosecution.
One notable advancement has been the implementation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) in Dallas. The DA’s Office, led by District Attorney John Creuzot, pushed for changes to the Texas Medical Records Act to enable local EMS and law enforcement agencies to fully participate in the program. With support from the City of Dallas and state lawmakers, legal barriers were removed, allowing real-time overdose tracking and response coordination.
The City of Dallas has recorded 3,903 suspected overdose interventions since 2023, with ODMAP now providing first responders with real-time access to data in the field.
The DA’s Office also contributed $150,000 in asset forfeiture funds to the Dallas Police Department to support fentanyl-specific operations. These funds helped purchase emergency overdose reversal tools, fund public education, and equip every Dallas patrol car with three doses of Narcan. An additional $10,000 in forfeiture funds was provided to the DeSoto Police Department for Narcan supplies.
All funding came from legally seized assets from criminal activity and did not involve taxpayer dollars.
“Our goal is simple: support our law enforcement partners and prevent unnecessary deaths,” said District Attorney Creuzot.
HIDTA’s report links the drop in overdose deaths directly to the combination of public health initiatives, law enforcement support, and increased access to overdose intervention tools.
The crisis continues, but Dallas County’s collaborative approach is showing measurable results.
