A Lifeline for Those in Need: Dallas County’s Overdose Prevention Hotline

Responding to a growing need

Between 2016 and 2023, the number of drug overdose deaths in Dallas County, Texas, nearly doubled.1 Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) analyzed data from EMS overdose responses, emergency departments, hospitalizations, poison center calls, and death records to identify overdose hotspots. They solicited community feedback and partner insight through focus groups to further inform their analysis. These data sources revealed a critical need for a centralized, accessible, and multilingual resource that could provide real-time guidance and referrals for individuals at risk of overdose, their families, and health care providers.

Using these findings, DCHHS launched the Overdose Prevention Hotline in October 2024 in partnership with Parkland Hospital and the North Texas Poison Center. The hotline operates from 7am-11pm, seven days a week, providing confidential support for people seeking treatment referrals, prevention information, or crisis intervention. It is accessible 24/7 for health care providers seeking guidance on starting their patients on medications for opioid use disorder, and is staffed by physicians, toxicology specialists, and nurses.

Data-driven results

The hotline experienced a 75% increase in call volume between November 2024 and March 2025, reflecting strong and growing community engagement. To drive awareness, Dallas County implemented a robust digital media campaign. Results included:

• More than 975,000 people saw promotions for the hotline via ads in public places
• 3.2 million people saw and 39,000 people clicked on Facebook and Instagram ads
• An overall click-through rate (CTR) of 1.32%, with Spanish-language ads performing higher at 1.59%
• Paid search ads generated a CTR of 5.87%, connecting individuals to support at critical moments.

The campaign drove traffic from high-risk zip codes, aligning with EMS overdose data and confirming the effectiveness of tailored outreach. These outcomes show that the hotline is addressing an urgent community need by creating a low-barrier, accessible resource for individuals at risk of overdose, their loved ones, and health care professionals. The strong call volume—especially during weekends and after hours—suggests the hotline is filling a critical service gap when many traditional support systems are unavailable. The hotline not only connects people to lifesaving services but also helps reduce stigma by encouraging supportive action from family and community members.