Southern Nevada Health District launches Substance Use Dashboard
Harm reduction mail order program also announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2024
LAS VEGAS –The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has launched a new data dashboard and a test strip mail order program as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce overdoses. These programs provide harm reduction resources and education to Clark County residents.
The Substance Use Dashboard — available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/substance-use-and-overdose-prevention/data/ — offers information on fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Clark County. It includes overdose rates and maps that show areas with the highest incidence of overdose. The dashboard
also displays findings from SNHD’s drug checking program, where clients can submit used paraphernalia or drug refuse for analysis to find out what substances may have been cut into the drug they used. Additionally, the dashboard provides a list and map of harm reduction resources throughout Clark County.
SNHD also announced a new mail order program, known as “The Strip Club,” which offers free fentanyl and xylazine test strips that are mailed to valid Clark County addresses. The test strips, which include easy-to-follow instructions, can detect fentanyl and xylazine in a substance. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Xylazine, also called “tranq” or “tranq dope,” is a non-opioid animal sedative or tranquilizer that is not approved for use in people.
People interested in requesting test strips can contact SNHD for information and training at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/join-the-strip-club/.
In 2023, there were 692 drug overdose deaths reported among Clark County residents, with opioids (both prescription and illicit) accounting for 68.1% of these deaths. From 2020 to 2023, drug overdose deaths in the county increased 23.6%, and opioid-related deaths rose by 23.9% during the same period. The highest opioid death rate in the county was in the 89101 ZIP code, with 69.91 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Fentanyl remains a significant public health concern in Southern Nevada, driving the increase in opioid-related deaths. From 2020 to 2023, fentanyl-related deaths in Clark County increased 92.7%.
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.