10th annual Southern Nevada event honors lives lost to overdose and promotes prevention

International Overdose Awareness Day focuses on education, resources and remembrance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:August 27, 2026

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health Consortium, in collaboration with community partners, will host the 10th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event on Saturday, August 29, from noon to 4 p.m. at Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The event honors those who have died or suffered permanent injury from overdose, reduces stigma surrounding drug-related deaths, and raises awareness about overdose prevention and drug policy.

Open to the public, the event will feature a resource fair from noon to 3 p.m., connecting attendees with local organizations and support services. The fair will include overdose prevention training, naloxone distribution, food and a raffle, while speakers throughout the event will share personal stories of overdose, survival and loss. From 3 to 4 p.m., a candlelight vigil will honor lives lost to overdose and recognize those who have survived. During the same hour, the “Soles for Souls” exhibit will display shoes representing people who died from an overdose in the past year. Attendees are encouraged to donate shoes, which will be provided to local charities.

“Reaching the 10th anniversary of this local observance shows how far our community has come and how much work remains,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “For a decade, this event has brought families, survivors, health professionals and community partners together to remember those we’ve lost, share their experiences and stand against overdose. As we mark this milestone, we remain committed to prevention, reducing stigma and connecting people with resources that can save lives.”

Overdose statistics in Clark County

In 2025, Clark County reported 714 confirmed drug overdose deaths, representing an 11% decrease compared to 2024. Opioids, both prescription and illicit, were involved in 69.6% of these fatalities. Since 2018, the opioid-involved overdose mortality rate has increased by 91.3%, reaching 19.9 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2025. The highest fatal overdose burden was concentrated in ZIP code 89101 with a mortality rate of 115 deaths per 100,000 residents. Fentanyl remains the primary driver of the local opioid epidemic. The age-adjusted rate of fentanyl-involved deaths increased from 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2018 to 17.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2025, a 613% increase.

Surveillance data indicate that the fatal overdoses peaked during the summer months (June through August) and were lowest in September. Demographic distribution shows that men accounted for 71.8% of overdose deaths, and the largest proportion of cases occurred among non-Hispanic white individuals.

For local substance use data, visit the Health District’s Substance Use Dashboard. Information about overdose prevention, including how to obtain test strips and naloxone, is available on the Substance Use and Overdose Prevention webpages.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.