he Southern Nevada Health District has identified medetomidine—a veterinary sedative also known as “rhino tranq”—in the local illicit drug supply through its community drug surveillance program, which anonymously samples used drug paraphernalia. While medetomidine use has not been widely reported in Nevada, the Health District has confirmed five positive samples since July 1, 2025, representing less than 1% of all samples collected since September 2024.

In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Saturday, Feb. 7, the Southern Nevada Health District will join community partners to provide additional health services to the community. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights efforts to reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections while addressing HIV-related stigma in Black/African American communities.

The Southern Nevada Health District will host a public outreach and informational meeting to share details and gather community input on proposed septic system regulations aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

The Southern Nevada Health District is recognizing American Heart Month in February by offering free blood pressure screenings and educational events at barbershops, beauty salons and faith-based organizations across Clark County.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will host the 3rd Annual Tobacco‑Free Living Summit through its Tobacco Control Program. The summit will address the detrimental effects of tobacco use within the Black community. To help reduce this burden, the Tobacco Control Program created Because We Matter LV, an African American-focused tobacco initiative, which guides the program’s efforts and serves as the foundation for this year’s event.

The Southern Nevada Health District has rolled out a new schedule of free diabetes self-management, education and support classes offered in English, Spanish, in-person and online. The classes are available starting Jan. 21.