Health

Health and Human Services data shows an encouraging decline in north Texas related to the opioid epidemic. KERA's Marina Trahan Martinez reports that so far this year, local deaths involving fentanyl use are trending down. And Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the Texas Senate is looking at how to protect the state’s power grid against worst-case scenarios.

Although Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are digging deep to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services.

Today is the last day to register for the Garrison Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's Awareness Symposium. Our Samantha Larned says this year’s free event has a focus on the family members acting as caregivers. You can RSVP by calling 806-743-7821 or visiting TTUHSC's website. KERA's Pablo Arauz Peña has more on estimates that Texas’ population reached 30.5 million people this year.

Día de los Muertos is meant to celebrate those who have passed, but one local mental health expert says grieving has become more isolated in recent years. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more. This week, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt flagged the issue of unencrypted helmet communication frequencies in the Power 4.

Our reporter Olivia O'Rand has more on recommendations from a local health expert on using Breast Cancer Awareness month to encourage people to take control of their health. Tomorrow morning, Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer is hosting Coffee with the Mayor alongside District 2 Councilman Gordon Harris at 7 a.m. at the Mae Simmons Community Center.

The Texas Tech Innovation Hub recently hosted Red Raider Startup, a competition where teams pitched their ideas for a chance to win a thousand dollars while networking and gaining valuable experience in the process.

Lubbock has a busy weekend ahead and our team has a rundown of events happening across the city this Saturday. Click here for more information.

Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the incoming chief of Lubbock Fire Rescue following his confirmation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. And Lubbock Public Health announced the city's first human death from the West Nile Virus.

Texas officials look to Arizona cities when creating crisis mental health centers.

Group homes serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.