In Las Vegas, health workers are intensifying their efforts to combat the overdose crisis by targeting “hotspots” and distributing harm reduction supplies in communities with high numbers of fatalities and emergency incidents. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) releases monthly Overdose Surveillance reports, which have identified areas with the highest number of deaths over the past 12 months, including Downtown Las Vegas, UNLV, and Boulder Highway.
SNHD workers track incidents and provide help and supplies where they are needed, such as distributing naloxone or Narcan and fentanyl test strips. They also go out into the community, including encampments and tunnels, to reach individuals who may be at risk. Recently, Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” has been detected in illicit drugs in Las Vegas, prompting increased efforts to address the issue.
In response to the crisis, SNHD has increased its supply and distribution efforts, with plans to double the number of Narcan doses dispersed in the Las Vegas Valley this year. The goal is to distribute 170,000 doses annually across the county. Community partners regularly replenish supplies at SNHD headquarters, working together to address the crisis.
Efforts are focused on meeting people where they are and providing the support and resources needed to prevent overdoses. SNHD aims to expand the availability of free harm reduction supplies through vending machines across the Valley and establish more connections with community partners to enhance distribution efforts. The ultimate goal is to save lives and reduce the impact of opioid overdoses in Las Vegas and beyond.
