Austin Health Officials Roll Out Revamped Opioid Overdose Tracking Tool

November 2, 2026 - 22:31

Austin Public Health has introduced a redesigned data dashboard aimed at giving the public and local leaders a clearer picture of the opioid crisis across Austin and Travis County. The updated tool consolidates several key measures into one place, including fatal overdoses, non-fatal overdose incidents, emergency hospital visits tied to opioid use, and the distribution of naloxone, the medication used to reverse overdoses.

Officials say the refreshed dashboard is meant to make the data easier to read and more useful for tracking trends over time. By bringing several indicators together, the platform allows users to see how prevention and response efforts are performing alongside the number of people affected. Naloxone distribution figures are included because wider access to the medication is considered a critical part of reducing overdose deaths.

The release comes as communities nationwide continue to grapple with rising overdose rates driven largely by fentanyl. Local health leaders have stressed that timely, transparent data helps direct resources to neighborhoods with the greatest need and supports outreach workers, first responders and treatment providers in their planning. Residents can use the dashboard to understand how the crisis is unfolding in their area and where support services are concentrated. Health officials encourage the public to check the tool regularly as new figures are added.