Williamson County, Texas

http://Williamson Commissioner Cook: All hands on deck in fighting opioid crisis (statesman.com)

All hands on deck in fighting opioid crisis

Much press has been devoted to covering the opioid epidemic across the country. We here in Williamson County are not immune to opioid use and overdoses. The county has been teaching first responders how to use Narcan, the manufacturer’s name for Naloxone, a compound that when administered displaces opiates from the brain’s receptors, thus reversing their effect.

Taken in high doses, opioids can suppress an individual’s breathing, causing a heart attack and death. The Narcan nasal spray form is safe for dispense by an opioid user’s friends and family members, but it only works if the heart attack has not yet occurred.

The preponderance of opioid street drugs has grown, and most are now spiked with fentanyl, a very strong opioid, once a commonly prescribed pain medication but now a carefully monitored prescription medication. Opioids are addictive and result in strong withdrawal symptoms when their use is suspended.

Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) is offering back to school wellness clinics which include vaccinations and sports physicals for all children, regardless of insurance status. Vaccinations are $14, while physicals are $30. There are two upcoming clinics:

July 23: WCCHD Georgetown Public Health Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Aug. 13: WCCHD Taylor Public Health Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Those interested in participating can call 512-943-3600 to schedule an appointment.

For more information, visit WCCHD's website.

Williamson County is hosting two public meetings for its Atlas 14 Floodplain Mapping Study. The public meetings will be held at two separate locations on different dates to make it more accessible for county residents to attend one of the meetings.

The county has suffered from severe flooding numerous times in the past. These events have reinforced the importance of knowing where flood risks are located and where mitigation measures are needed. The Atlas 14 Floodplain Mapping Study is being funded via the Texas Water Development Board and will update rainfall data throughout the county, map streams and waterways, and identify where flood risks are located.

At the public meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the study, speak with team members and share anecdotal information about flooding on their property. Public meeting materials will also be available online starting March 29.

Please visit the webpage www.wilco.org/atlas14 to learn more.

Click on Read More for Public Meetings information.

On Jan. 1, 2022, and after redistricting, the Anderson Mill MUD neighborhoods were placed into Precinct 1.  Commissioner Cook was invited to a meet and greet meeting, and asked to address the Board. Citizens were encouraged to ask questions.

Commissioner Cook brought a large map of the newly redistricted Precinct 1 for the board members and residents to view and ask her questions.

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m., the southbound lanes on Deep Wood Drive will be closed nightly at RM 620.

Traffic will be shifted to the left side of the roadway while crews work to install a waterline across Deep Wood Drive.

Once complete, crews will reopen southbound Deep Wood Drive and perform a similar traffic switch along the northbound lanes to finish placing the waterline at RM 620.

The nightly closures will be in place until Friday, Jan. 28 at 5 a.m.