Austin-Travis County EMS

Police, fire and EMS officials say growth and road construction are contributing factors.

Texas, including the capital city, was especially hard-hit by a wave fentanyl-related deaths in the past few years. But with the help of overdose-reversing drugs, things are looking better.

Data from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office shows a 19% decrease in accidental drug deaths from January to July of this year compared to the same time in 2023.

The new nearly 400,000-square-foot building will house the city's three public safety agencies — Austin Fire, Austin Police and Austin-Travis County EMS. The building sits south of Zilker Park.

The City of Austin dedicated nearly $1 million to improve safety along the Lady Bird Lake trail near Rainey Street. The families of two men who drowned in the lake last spring pleaded for the changes near the popular entertainment district.

But officials also said overdose-related calls appear to be slowing, partially because of the widespread distribution of Narcan.

More than 30 suspected overdoses occurred in Austin on Monday, with four suspected overdose deaths.

The Collaborative Care Communication Center's goal is to treat an emergency where it occurs, reducing the strain on hospitals and the health care system.

For the better part of three years, the city has stumbled communicating when it would activate cold weather shelters. Nonprofits and first responders are tired of it.

Medics of all stripes will get a raise, for now, but EMS will be back at the bargaining table next year.