Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has released a public service announcement aimed at raising awareness about the growing impact of the fentanyl epidemic in Texas and across the nation.
The announcement features former Dallas Cowboys player Randy White alongside Texas parents who lost children to overdoses involving fentanyl-laced drugs.
According to the attorney general’s office, pills sold as prescription medications such as painkillers, Xanax or Adderall may actually be mixed with fentanyl and other illegal drugs. Officials say the deceptive nature of these substances has contributed to a growing public health threat, particularly among young people.
The public service announcement includes testimony from parents and community leaders affected by fentanyl-related deaths. Additional accounts and information are expected to be made available through the Office of the Attorney General.
“Texas drug overdose deaths have increased over 75% during the last five years alone. Fentanyl is so potent and so deadly that one pill can kill,” Paxton said.
The campaign is intended to encourage greater public understanding of the risks associated with fentanyl and to help prevent future overdose deaths.
“To all of my fellow Texans, we treasure your life. The first step toward ending the devastation starts with understanding what we’re facing,” Paxton said.
