Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office Celebrates Passage of
SB1319 and Implementation of OD Mapping in Dallas
June 21, 2023
Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot is thrilled to announce the passage of Senate Bill 1319, a significant milestone in the relentless pursuit to combat the devastating fentanyl crisis. Additionally, he is proud to celebrate the successful implementation of Overdose Mapping (ODMAP) in Dallas, a groundbreaking initiative that has already proven to be a crucial tool in saving lives and holding accountable those responsible for the illegal distribution of opioids.
“For six years I, alongside former United States Attorney in the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox and Texoma High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Director Lance Sumpter, have been working toward bringing ODMAP online across all of Dallas County. This is far from mission accomplished in the fight against the fentanyl crisis, but I am relieved to finally have this powerful tool in our arsenal,” said Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot.
SB1319 represents a critical step forward in the fight against the fentanyl crisis. This legislation, which received overwhelming support from lawmakers and stakeholders alike, amends the Texas Medical Records Act to allow law enforcement agencies and EMTs across Texas to participate in ODMAP without liability. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Texas Legislature and Governor Greg Abbott for recognizing the urgent need for action and for championing this important bill. ODMAP utilizes advanced data analytics and real-time information to identify patterns, hotspots, and emerging trends related to drug overdoses.
“Deaths involving fentanyl overdose rose nearly 400% in Texas from 2019 to 2021. Information and data sharing between first responders and law enforcement using ODMAP is such an important first step in combatting this crisis - this will allow public health and public safety officials to better gain visibility into the scope of the opioid and fentanyl crisis right here in North Texas. Knowledge and accurate data about a problem is the only way you can begin to truly meet the challenge and protect the community,” said Erin Nealy Cox, former United States Attorney in the Northern District of Texas. “I am proud that our local leaders and lawmakers have been able to bring this to fruition, and I am especially grateful that DA Creuzot continued to work with the DEA and HIDTA to bring this valuable resource to the community.”
The success of the implementation of OD Mapping and the passage of SB1319 are testaments to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the opioid crisis. Dallas County, the City of Dallas, Texoma HIDTA, and Erin Nealy Cox have exhibited unwavering dedication and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding our community from the devastating effects of fentanyl. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families affected by this tragic epidemic.
“The Texoma HIDTA and the Nationwide HIDTA Community appreciate the numerous collaborators who advanced Texas Senate Bill 1319 towards its ultimate signing by the Governor. This new law will consolidate valuable information into the ODMAP, a real-time database. The data will allow stakeholders in public health and public safety to timely implement their respective tools to reduce drug overdose deaths and drug addiction, promote drug prevention, and positively impact lives and communities,” said Lance Sumpter, Director of Texoma HIDTA.
The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office extends its heartfelt appreciation to the citizens of Dallas County for their ongoing support and vigilance. We encourage the community to remain steadfast in reporting any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking, enabling us to continue our relentless pursuit of justice.
