Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022 | 3:18 p.m.
A task force is being established to reduce the number of drug overdoses in Nevada, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced today.
The joint advisory task force is being created in partnership with Gov. Steve Sisolak and state Attorney General Aaron Ford.
Emergency room visits for suspected opioid-related overdoses increased 66% between July and August, and visits for suspected stimulant-related overdoses increased 50%, the department said.
The announcement follows a Tuesday advisory from the Southern Nevada Health District on the dangers of fentanyl, a man-made opioid that caused at least four overdose deaths around Las Vegas last month.
The Health District warned that fentanyl deaths are on the rise in Clark County, with 110 fatal overdoses between January and July.
The Department of Health and Human Services said fentanyl has become pervasive and has been found in heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine.
