LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada health officials say overdose deaths are declining across Clark County, but much slower than similar declines across the country, according to new data.
A presentation on the preliminary findings about overdose deaths was shown to the Southern Nevada Health District’s Public Health Advisory Board during a Monday meeting.
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According to officials, overdose deaths have been declining nationally, but Nevada’s rate dropped only 2.2% compared to a 15.9% reduction across the rest of the country. The presentation focused on Clark County to identify local factors driving that gap.
Through dozens of interviews conducted through the end of May, researchers spoke with community members and service providers were required to have used a substance other than alcohol or marijuana in the past six months.
Of the 69 respondents, 55% were male and 45% were female, with a median age of 42 years. Forty-six percent were unhoused and 52% were housed. Eighty-five percent reported not having a regular place to stay in the past year.
Among unhoused respondents, the most common living situations were streets or alleys (44%), parks (25%), and couch surfing or other arrangements (22%). Among housed respondents, 56% lived in group homes and 31% in apartments.
Fentanyl was the most commonly reported substance of choice among respondents. Age-adjusted overdose death rate data from January 2023 through May 2026 showed fentanyl with the highest death rate per 100,000 residents, followed by cocaine and heroin.
About 50% of respondents reported using more than one substance and indicated a preference to use alone more often. Ninety-five percent of respondents who use fentanyl also reported using methamphetamine. About 67% of respondents believed that drugs in the supply are being cut with fentanyl.
Approximately 70% of respondents reported witnessing an overdose in the past year. Of those, 85% said naloxone was administered and 73% said 911 was called.
Sixty percent of respondents reported awareness of Nevada’s Good Samaritan Law (NRS 453C.150), but only 52% indicated trust in the law.
Qualitative findings showed that respondents who use methamphetamine perceived a lower overdose risk compared to those who use fentanyl. Researchers noted an internal tension between respondents’ awareness that drugs are cut with fentanyl and their personal risk assumptions.
Respondents described the methamphetamine supply as widely available but considered cheap and weak, and noted that drug supply potency is cyclical. Respondents also reported awareness of naloxone availability and said they are generally prepared to assist other community members.
Service providers reported navigating limited resources to assist clients. Respondents identified a need for wraparound services and said housing resources should be prioritized.
Federal and state policies — including those related to Medicaid and SNAP — were cited as barriers to service provision. Respondents also noted a perception that overdose prevention funding is declining. Many respondents were people with lived experience, and peer support services were identified as having a meaningful impact.
Health officials say the analysis of these trends is ongoing, and a full report with complete findings is expected within four to six months.
The final data will be presented at a future SNHD board meeting.
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