Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance hosts its first observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 31, 2017
LAS VEGAS – In 2015, there were 298 opioid-related deaths among Clark County residents. In acknowledgement of those deaths, the Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is participating in its first International Overdose Awareness Day beginning at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 31 at Stupak Park, 300 W. Boston Ave. The event is an opportunity for community members and partners to remember and acknowledge the toll the current epidemic is taking on families and the community. In addition, the SNHRA will offer Overdose Prevention Training to participants who will receive a free, overdose prevention kit that contains gloves, masks, alcohol swabs, and naloxone resources and information. The first 60 participants in the training will receive two doses of injectable naloxone as part of their kits. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/SoNVHarmReductionAlliance/.
The recent declaration that the opioid epidemic is a national emergency highlights the importance of providing resources, education and tools to combat addiction and support recovery efforts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids (prescription and illicit) were involved in 33,091 deaths in 2015 and opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999. Between 1999 and 2014, the CDC reports that overdose rates are highest among people between the ages of 25 and 54, men are more likely than women to die from an overdose, however, the gap between them is closing. In addition, overdose rates are highest among non-Hispanic whites, and Native American and Alaskan natives.
Opioid-related deaths continue to occur in Southern Nevada. In 2015, there were 298 opioid-related deaths among Clark County residents. From 2013-2015, the average rate of drug poisonings (overdoses) in Clark County was 21 deaths per 100,000 residents. The rate was highest in the 89101 ZIP code at 40 deaths per 100,000 residents. The national rate during that same period was 15 drug-poisoning deaths per 100,000 residents.
Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is composed of public health professionals, HIV providers, addiction specialists, syringe exchange programs, homeless providers, prevention and 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, 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.
Access information about the Southern Nevada Health District on its website: www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, YouTube: www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernnevadahealthdistrict/. The Health District is available in Spanish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Don’t have a Twitter account? Follow the Health District on your phone by texting “follow SNHDinfo” to 40404. Additional information and data can be accessed through the Healthy Southern Nevada website: www.HealthySouthernNevada.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.