FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2020
LAS VEGAS – According to data released by the Southern Nevada Health District, deaths involving fentanyl or fentanyl analogs (drugs designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of fentanyl) are increasing in Clark County. To date, there have been 63 deaths involving fentanyl among Clark County residents this year. In 2019, there were 28 deaths during the same time, an increase of 125%. There were 64 fentanyl deaths in 2019 and 46 deaths in 2018.
Nationally, deaths involving prescription opioids, like oxycodone and hydrocodone, have been declining. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, have been increasing. This trend has also been observed in Clark County. During January-May of this year, there have been 53 deaths involving prescription opioids compared to 63 deaths involving fentanyl or fentanyl analogs. This is the first time Clark County has had more deaths involving fentanyl than prescription opioids. Some of these fentanyl-related deaths also involved prescription opioids, and the Health District will continue to monitor the trend to better understand how fentanyl is impacting opioid overdoses in the community.
One-hundred and seventy-three Clark County residents have died from fentanyl since 2018. Of these, 68% were male. Racial breakdowns were as follows: 76% White; 16% Black; 3% Asian; and 2% Native American. Deaths primarily occurred among individuals aged 15-54 years old (86%), with 25% among those aged 25-34. Other drugs are often involved, with the most common being prescription opioids (29%), benzodiazepines (27%), psychostimulants such as methamphetamine (23%), cocaine (20%), and heroin (9%). These proportions are not mutually exclusive as more than one drug can contribute to a death.
“It is important for people to be aware of the growing public health risk fentanyl poses to our community. It can be fatal, and it can be found in other drugs,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District.
The Health District and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend carrying naloxone, also known as Narcan®, an opioid-antagonist that can be administered to help reverse opioid overdoses.
“With naloxone, family members, friends, and others who are close to people who may use opioids can help save a life,” said Dr. Leguen.
The Health District offers free naloxone at its pharmacy located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Additional overdose prevention measures and training are available to the community through local harm reduction organizations, including Health District partner organization Trac-B Exchange.
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.