2012-2018

There were a total of 219 overdose (OD) deaths in Laredo, Texas. Opioids were responsible for 156 of those deaths.

• 2 were infants (A baby under a year and a 6 year old)
• 7 were younger than 19 years of age
• Most overdose cases involved heroin or cocaine (some on both, which are antagonists), and prescribed medications.
• Over a dozen children were born with addiction
• Ages ranged from children younger than 1 year of age to 66 years
• Need local detox, rehab, and enhanced treatment and medical professionals to use methadone on the spot

2017 (43 deaths)

• 7 infants were born positive for heroin
• 25 children were affected and placed in foster care
• 12 adults were sent to drug court, 10 due to heroin
• Easy access to heroin and prescribed opioids

Burden to Laredo Police Dept. and Health Care in 2018.

• 122 Number of OD calls received
• 74 Drug raids
• 1073 Arrests for possession of controlled substance

Resources

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
• NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• NIDA (En español)
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Opioid Overdose
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Alcohol and Public Health
• Mentalhealth.gov: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Public Service Announcements

Creation

• Created by motion on September 2, 2008
• Additional Members: motion to add five additional members to the Drug & Alcohol Commission made up of the Webb County Judge was approved on Tuesday, February 19, 2019; meeting M2019-R-03

Mission Statement

To create awareness policies and services that will serve youth, adults and families in need of alcohol and drug abuse prevention.

Liasions

• Richard A. Chamberlain, Health Director
• Erika Martinez - Administrative Assistant II
• Claudio Treviño - Police Chief
• Manuel Maciel - Assistant Chief of Police

City of Laredo Appointees

• Coleen Rodriguez (appointed by Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño)
• VACANT (appointed by Cm. Gilbert Gonzalez - District 1)
• VACANT (appointed by Cm. Daisy Campos Rodriguez - District 2)
• Gerardo Montemayor (appointed by Cm. Melissa Cigarroa - District 3)
• Dr. Sylvia Dominguez (appointed by Cm. Alberto Torres, Jr. - District 4)
• Earl Medina (appointed by Cm. Ruben Gutierrez - District 5)
• Mike Ziesman (appointed by Cm. Dr. David Tyler King - District 6)
• Elizabeth Alonzo Villarreal (appointed by Cm. Vanessa Perez - District 7)
• Freddy Cordova (appointed by Cm. Alyssa Cigarroa - District 8)

Webb County Appointees

• Marah Mendez (appointed by Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina)
• Javier Ramirez (appointed by Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez Pct. 1)
• Nancy Cadena (appointed by Commissioner Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina Pct. 2)
• J. J. Rendon (appointed by Commissioner John C. Galo Pct. 3)
• Margarita D. Herrera-Garza (appointed by Commissioner Cindy Liendo Pct. 4)

Meetings

• Every 1st Wednesday of the Month
• Meetings begin at 5:30 pm
• City of Laredo Health Dept. Auditorium - 2nd Floor by Administration

Agendas | Meeting Videos

Work Groups

All groups with stake holders, providers, city and county officials and consumers to promote awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.

• Detox / Transitional Support
• Education / Prevention / Outreach
• Intervention / Treatment / Rehabilitation
• Transition / Aftercare

Accomplishments

• Updated Resource Directory for Substance Use Services
• Working on Detoxification and Triage Facility
• Provide educational awareness for drug and alcohol prevention
• Met with City and County officials to request opening a detox triage center in Laredo
• Developed a standing coalition of providers to advocate for substance use awareness
• Press Conference to promote awareness
• Public Service Announcement on prevention

Drug & Alcohol Commission of Laredo - D.A.C.

Substance Use Services Directory

Phone: 956 - 795 - 4923

Email