FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 31, 2020

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is hosting its fourth International Overdose Awareness Day event between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 31. Registration for this year’s virtual event is available at http://nvoverdoseday.com/. The event is an opportunity to acknowledge the loss of friends and loved ones to fatal drug overdoses and will include a panel discussion with community members to discuss their overdose-related experiences. An online naloxone (Narcan®) training will be offered and participants will have the opportunity to pick up overdose prevention kits at various locations in the community. For additional information about SNHRA or the Overdose Awareness Day event, visit: www.facebook.com/SoNVHarmReductionAlliance/.

Based on preliminary mortality data from the Health District’s Electronic Death Registry System, there have been 496 drug overdose deaths among Clark County residents in 2019 and opioids (prescription and illicit) accounted for 56 percent of the deaths. While drug overdose deaths in Clark County decreased 5.5 percent from 2018, opioid-related deaths in Clark County have increased in 2019 to 280 deaths compared to 278 deaths in 2018. The death rate was the highest in the 89101 ZIP code at 75 deaths per 100,000 residents. Additionally, fentanyl is an increasing public health concern in Clark County with a recent increase in fentanyl-related deaths reported this year.

International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to acknowledge those who have died or suffered permanent injury, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and to raise awareness about overdose prevention and drug policy.

The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is composed of public health professionals, HIV providers, addiction specialists, syringe exchange programs, homeless service providers, substance use prevention community coalitions, recovery advocates, and health care representatives. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs by reducing drug-related stigma, overdoses, and the harmful effects of drugs among Southern Nevadans regardless of their circumstances. SNHRA also provides education and resources about reducing substance misuse and unintentional overdose deaths, as well as reducing the risks of acquiring or transmitting bloodborne infections. Each month, the Southern Nevada Health District, in conjunction with members of SNHRA, provides testing for HIV and hepatitis C, sterile syringes, and homeless services. In February of 2017, the first comprehensive needle/syringe exchange program in Clark County began operating at Trac-B Exchange, a member of the Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance. In addition, there are five syringe vending machines placed within service provider organizations.

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.