In a poignant address to the council, community member Greg Cruz highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to combat the rising tide of fentanyl-related deaths, particularly among students. Cruz's remarks came in the wake of the tragic loss of four students from Marcus High School, including his own daughter, Nicole, who died from fentanyl poisoning in April.

Cruz urged the council to prioritize mental health and addiction issues by implementing four key initiatives: establishing a committee dedicated to drug and mental health awareness, creating a detailed plan for the allocation of opioid settlement funds to support education and the distribution of Narcan, erecting a memorial to honor those lost to addiction, and increasing community training in CPR, AED, opioid awareness, and Narcan administration.

The proposed advisory committee would consist of mental health professionals, educators, law enforcement, emergency services, and local support groups, aiming to advocate for special programs and events that raise awareness about addiction and recovery. Cruz emphasized the importance of recognizing events like Recovery Month and Fentanyl Awareness Day, suggesting that local organizations could set up informational booths at community gatherings.

Cruz also called for transparency regarding the remaining opioid settlement funds, stressing the need for a concerted community effort to address the crisis. He noted the alarming statistic that, on average, 15 people die daily in Texas due to opioid-related incidents, underscoring the critical nature of the issue.

The council's response to Cruz's proposals remains to be seen, but the call for action reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the mental health and addiction challenges facing the community.