The Southern Nevada Health District hosted its first State of the Health District on Thursday, July 18, 2019, to provide the public and stakeholders with highlights of agency accomplishments, an overview of the Community Health Needs Assessment developed in partnership with Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican, and a preview of new initiatives planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

One public health issue facing Southern Nevada is an aging population. Older adults have unique health concerns and to ensure this fast-growing segment of the population has the support needed to continue leading healthy, productive, and active lives, the Health District reviewed healthy aging models and frameworks from across the country in its efforts to design a comprehensive initiative that meets the unique local conditions of Southern Nevada.

The second initiative, Putting Green on the Menu, is a voluntary program for food facilities. This green restaurant initiative will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase is designed to encourage restaurants to adopt environmentally-friendly practices and to recognize those who do. Eight criteria have been developed for the first phase of Putting Green on the Menu. The Health District will maintain a list of self-reported food facilities that meet the criteria on a special section of its website for the public to access.