CDC data from April 2024 to April 2025 shows a concerning trend: Nevada currently has the third highest overdose rate increase in the nation, behind Arizona and Hawaii.
Additionally, Nevada is one of only four states in total who even saw a rate increase. While overdoses here have gone up more than 8 percent during that time period, the rest of the country experienced declines in their rates, by about 25 percent on average.
Sean O’Donnell, executive director of Foundation for Recovery, said the exact reason for the rise is hard to pin down, but could be due to a number of post-COVID factors.
“We've seen the labor market decline, so unemployment is on the rise,” he said. “Housing is and continues to be a large problem for a lot of local residents.”
These conditions can create a perfect storm for drug usage.
Foundation for Recovery recently began a door-to-door canvassing program in the Las Vegas ZIP codes with the highest overdose rates, like 89101, to talk to residents about drug usage. O’Donnell said the goal is to knock on 100,000 doors this year.
Beyond the Foundation’s various programs, and this weekend’s annual Narcan at Night distribution walk around the Vegas Strip, the Narcan Education and Distribution Project also aims to reduce deaths in the cultural heart of the city. Co-founded by Sunrise Hospital ER doctor Suzanne Roozendaal and ReBar general manager Mathew “Buck” Buckosh, the project’s mission is to get the opioid overdose reversal drug into the hands of as many local bartenders as possible.
“We've been distributing now for about five months,” said Roozendaal. “We've been able to distribute over 100 boxes of Narcan.”
Buckosh and Roozendaal say they concentrate their efforts in the Downtown and Arts District areas, where the most overdoses happen. Their hope is to empower everyone to learn about, and carry, Narcan.
“Not just doctors save lives,” said Roozendaal. “[With Narcan], everybody can save a life in this situation.”
If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse disorder, please contact the Nevada Helpline at 800-450-9530 or text IMREADY to 839863.
MORE RESOURCES:
Substance Abuse Hotlines in Nevada
Behavioral Health NV
Nevada 211
Guests: Mathew "Buck" Buckosh, general manager, ReBar and co-founder, Narcan Education and Distribution Project; Sean O'Donnell, executive director, Foundation for Recovery; Suzanne Roozendaal, emergency medicine physician, Sunrise Hospital and co-founder, Narcan Education and Distribution Project
