Laredo health staff report fewer overdoses, promote free naloxone and review detox admissions

City public-health staff told the Laredo Public Health Coalition that early-year overdose numbers have fallen and urged residents to use free naloxone now available across the city.

"Sometimes the hardest step is the first one," the public-health presenter said while previewing an unreleased public-service announcement encouraging people to carry and use naloxone. "Naloxone is available in our community, free, accessible, ready when it matters most. You can visit cityoflaredo.com under Health Department to view the map of locations." The presenter said April data from the police department had not yet been received and that city staff would confirm any April deaths once the PD report is available.

Jessica Conte, speaking for Roots Recovery in place of Dr. Rihanna Martinez, reviewed the detox center's service data. She said Roots Recovery has conducted 441 screenings since September 2025 and recorded 105 new screenings in March. "To date we have conducted 286 admissions," Conte said, adding that heroin and other opioids remained the most commonly reported drugs among people entering services.

Conte provided a breakdown of March admissions by primary substance: 14 for alcohol, 5 for cannabis, 16 for cocaine, 18 for heroin and 4 for sedatives, totaling 57 patients for the month. She also said the program saw an increase in female admissions in March compared with prior months and credited stronger referrals — including from child-protective services — for part of that rise.

City staff said distribution of naloxone and community education efforts have expanded, and they encouraged coalition members to share the PSA and naloxone-location map on social media once the city publishes it. Conte said the detox center emphasizes a welcoming, nonjudgmental intake and uses motivational interviewing to encourage people who are ambivalent about staying in treatment.

The coalition did not take formal action on funding or new policy at the meeting; staff said they would publish the PSA and post naloxone locations online and that the April police report would be circulated when available. The meeting adjourned with the next session scheduled for May 13.