Health District calls attention to health risks of combining stimulants and fentanyl
Clark County overdose deaths are on the rise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 7, 2024
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging heightened public awareness of the health dangers related to the mixture of stimulants with highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, resulting in a growing number of fatal overdoses in Clark County and throughout the U.S.
Fentanyl, a substance that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, poses a significant threat. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of overdose deaths among Clark County residents involving the concurrent use of fentanyl with methamphetamine or cocaine increased 97%, rising from 73 deaths to 144 deaths, respectively. For people who do not use opioids regularly, using stimulants that are adulterated with fentanyl places them at a higher risk of overdose.
Nationally, drug overdose death rates involving fentanyl increased by 279% from 2016 to 2021. Approximately 108,000 people died between August 2021 and August 2022 from drug poisonings, and nearly 70% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2021 was nearly 22 times the rate in 2013.
Fentanyl test strips allow people to test drugs for traces of fentanyl, which can be deadly even in small amounts. SNHD provides test strips without a prescription at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, or at a distribution location which can be found at https://nvopioidresponse.org/harm-reduction/fts/fts-finder/.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, when given in time. Naloxone should be given in response to any suspected overdose as a means of reversing any possible opioid effects. It’s also important to call 911 for additional medical treatment. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides information on responding to an opioid overdose at How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose | HHS.gov.
Nasal naloxone is available at no cost to the public at the SNHD Decatur Pharmacy at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Injectable naloxone can be obtained free of charge at the Trac-B/Impact Exchange Harm Reduction Program’s storefront and at the seven public health vending machines operated in Clark County. The locations of these machines are available at Impact Exchange Vending Machines – Harm Reduction Center Las Vegas (harmreductioncenterlv.com). The statewide naloxone medication finder is available at https://nvopioidresponse.org/harm-reduction/overdose-reversal-medication/finder/.
To learn more about fentanyl, visit the CDC website at Fentanyl | Opioids | CDC. People who are using substances, or their loved ones, can obtain information about crisis support and resources by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline or by visiting https://behavioralhealthnv.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.