Nevada Groups Boost Healthcare Access, Combat Opioid Crisis

TL/DR –

In 2024, Southern Nevada’s health organisations are prioritising combating the opioid epidemic and increasing healthcare access for at-risk communities. The discussion also focused on access to resources for low-income families and undocumented residents, as well as the importance of spreading health information and making resources available to underserved communities. Regarding the opioid crisis, it was noted that more than 1 million people have died from a drug overdose since 1999 in the US, and the death rate is significantly increasing due to synthetics like fentanyl and xylazine.

Nevada Healthcare Roundtable Addresses Priority Matters

At a recent health care roundtable discussion in North Las Vegas, Southern Nevada’s health organizations prioritized combating the opioid epidemic and increasing health care access for at-risk communities in 2024.

Emphasizing the availability of resources doesn’t guarantee access, according to Ireti Fawehinmi of Immunize Nevada. Fawehinmi underscored the importance of informed health decisions and outlined strategies to connect with diverse community members, helping mitigate mistrust in the health industry among underserved communities.

Among other healthcare professionals participating in the discussion were Katie Charleson from Nevada Health Link and Fermin Leguen from the Southern Nevada Health District. Discussions were dominated by the need for resource access, especially for low-income families and undocumented residents.

In response to the diverse healthcare needs and policies across the state, local organizations are working towards ensuring access for all. Charleson highlighted efforts towards reaching out to underserved communities greatly impacted by health care policies.

Leguen shared the Southern Nevada Health District’s ongoing work with the local refugee community, a “very sensitive area here in Nevada.” He cited the recent launch of the Tribal Sponsorship Program by Nevada Health Link, designed to aid rural and Native American communities by offsetting their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Opioid battle ongoing

Nevada faces a significant threat from the opioid epidemic, with death tolls on the rise due to synthetics like fentanyl and xylazine. The state has seen an alarming rate of opioid-related fatalities, with an average of 22 people per 100,000 residents dying from a drug and opioid-involved overdose between 2018 and 2020.

“The opioid epidemic is one of the biggest issues that’s hitting our community,” says Leguen, noting the tragic increase in opioid-related deaths, particularly among young people.

To combat this, Southern Nevada established the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council in 2016 and a Regional Opioid Task Force in 2023. Additionally, the Biden administration designated fentanyl combined with xylazine, also known as “tranq,” as an emerging threat to the United States in April 2021. A bill to combat illicit use of xylazine was introduced but has seen no movement.

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