Drug overdoses create public health emergency in Bowie County

Overdose deaths have quickly become the leading cause of death among young adults, officials say.

At a joint press conference Wednesday, officials from the Four States region spoke to the community of a recent spike in accidental overdoses and overdose deaths which have led to an influx of calls for first responders.

“For decades, the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1845 was traumatic injuries. Deaths from drug overdoses were relatively uncommon. However, drug overdoses have overtaken traumatic injuries in recent months and are now the leading cause of death in this age group. Our four states area is not immune to this national trend,” said Dr. Matt Young, Bowie County Health Authority.