Community Health Improvement Plan sets priorities for the next five years
Community-driven strategies focus on access to care, chronic disease, substance use and public health funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:June 1, 2026
LAS VEGAS – After more than a year of collaboration with community members, healthcare partners and local organizations, the Southern Nevada Health District today released the 2026-2031 Southern Nevada Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), outlining key priorities and strategies to improve health outcomes in Clark County over the next five years.
The CHIP is available at www.healthysouthernnevada.org and reflects input from nearly 200 community members who participated in the planning process beginning in April 2025. Participants identified four public health priorities for Southern Nevada: access to care, chronic disease, public health funding and substance use.
“Where someone lives, what they can afford, and whether they can get care all shape their opportunity to live a healthy life,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “The Community Health Improvement Plan reflects a shared commitment to addressing the issues that have the greatest impact on health across Southern Nevada.”
The four priority areas include:
Access to Care
Access to care focuses on ensuring people can obtain the health services they need when they need them and without barriers. This includes affordable, timely and culturally appropriate medical, mental health and preventive services.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clark County had a lower percentage of adults with health insurance coverage in 2023 (84.3%) compared with Nevada (85.4%) and the United States (89%). Hispanic and Latino adults had the lowest rate of health insurance coverage at 74%, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native adults at 75.8%.
- Access to care is essential for preventing disease, managing chronic conditions and improving overall health outcomes. Without timely and affordable care, people are more likely to experience worsened health, avoidable hospitalizations and increased health disparities, especially in underserved populations.
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that typically progress slowly and persist over time, often for the rest of a person’s life. Common examples include heart disease, diabetes and cancer, many of which are influenced by factors such as diet, physical activity and tobacco use.
- According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, hypertension prevalence in Clark County was 34.6% in 2023, slightly higher than Nevada overall (34.0%) and the national rate (34%).
- Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death. However, prioritizing them allows for prevention, early detection, and management. Focusing on chronic disease can improve health outcomes and extend life expectancy.
Public Health Funding
Financial support of public health provided by governments, organizations or institutions helps protect and improve the health of communities. It supports different programs and services such as disease prevention, health education, emergency preparedness and access to care, all of which aim to reduce health risks and improve population well-being.
- Public health and prevention efforts account for only about 3% of total U.S. health spending, despite chronic and preventable conditions driving many healthcare costs nationwide.
- Sustained investment in public health infrastructure can strengthen emergency preparedness, improve access to care and support healthier communities.
Substance Use
Substance use affects individuals, families and communities. Misuse can lead to serious consequences, including addiction, mental health challenges, chronic disease and overdose. Addressing substance use through prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support can improve public safety, strengthen families, and build healthier, more resilient communities.
- The drug overdose death rate in Clark County increased from 17.5 per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 28.1 in 2023. During the same period, Nevada’s statewide rate rose from 15.5 to 29.1 per 100,000 residents. In 2024, Clark County reported 802 confirmed drug overdose deaths, representing a nearly 16% increase compared to 2023. Opioids, both prescription and illicit, were involved in 67.5% of these fatalities.
- Expanding access to behavioral health services, treatment programs and overdose prevention resources can help reduce substance-related harm and connect residents with the support they need before a crisis occurs.
To learn more, or to be a part of the CHIP initiative’s working groups for any public health priority area, email HealthyConnect@SNHD.org.
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.