New Narcan vending machine in Bastrop hopes to help curb opioid overdoses

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Local groups say the opioid epidemic in Texas is problematic. In Bastrop alone, there were nine calls in 2023 to the local poison control center.

University of Texas Houston wants to help battle the problem -- in places like Bastrop and elsewhere across the state. It has placed a naloxone (better known as Narcan) vending machine at Bastrop County Cares, located at 806 Water Street.

The vending machine is free and available to the public.

UT Houston said being aware of the dangers of overdoses, and making Narcan readily available to everyone is just one way to help combat the problem.

VOCAL Texas, a statewide grassroots organization aimed at helping curb the use of drugs, especially for low-income individuals, reports 13 Texans die daily from preventable overdoses.

The group said drug overdose deaths increased by more than 75% in the past five years. In 2023, there were an estimated 5,566 drug-related deaths in Texas. Of those, 45% of them involved fentanyl, the Texas Tribune reported.

VOCAL Texas is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to do more.

Ahead of "Opioid Awareness Day" on Saturday, leaders from VOCAL Texas and other organizations will hold a news conference Thursday afternoon outside the governor's mansion to address the growing need for awareness.

KXAN's Barrett Tryon is working on this story and will have more tonight on KXAN News.