The opioid crisis continues to impact families and communities across Nevada, with fentanyl posing one of the greatest dangers. In response, the Sparks City Attorney’s Office, led by City Attorney Wes Duncan, has launched “Shattered Lives: The Deadly Fallout of Fentanyl.” This initiative aims to raise awareness about the devastating effects of fentanyl by sharing real stories from community members and providing critical education to students, parents, and residents.
Spreading Awareness Through the ‘Shattered Lives’ Initiative
The “Shattered Lives” video was unveiled at the 2024 Northern Nevada Opioid Youth Summit at the Grand Sierra Resort. This six-minute video features real stories from local residents who have faced fentanyl-related tragedies, illustrating the harsh reality of its impact. The initiative focuses on bringing awareness to schools, families, and the broader community through educational outreach and public discussions.
Duncan and his office plan to visit area schools, collaborate with prevention organizations, and widely share the “Shattered Lives” video to ensure the message reaches as many people as possible.
The initiative underscores the urgency of addressing fentanyl use and emphasizes that its presence is far more widespread than many realize.
The last thing I want to happen is for someone in our community to die of a fentanyl overdose. As a father of four children, we need to let parents know how dangerous and common fentanyl is becoming in our community. To students in particular, we need to inform them that fentanyl is everywhere and the idea of a ‘recreational drug’ is a thing of the past.
City Attorney Wes Duncan
The “Shattered Lives” video is available in both short and long formats. The short version (below) highlights the immediate dangers, while the longer version provides personal stories of loss and recovery, reinforcing the importance of awareness and action.
Life-Saving Resources in Our Community
Fentanyl is increasingly being found in counterfeit pills and other substances, often without users realizing it. This makes every use a potential risk for overdose. However, there are life-saving tools available in Nevada that can help prevent tragic outcomes. Understanding how these resources work and where to find them is critical for individuals, families, and communities.
- Naloxone (Narcan): A fast-acting medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring normal breathing and consciousness within minutes. It is easy to administer and is available without a prescription at many pharmacies and community organizations.
- Fentanyl Test Strips: Simple and effective tools that can detect the presence of fentanyl in pills or powders. These strips can help prevent accidental overdoses by allowing individuals to test substances before use, though no use is entirely risk-free.
These tools are widely available across Nevada and can be accessed by individuals who may be at risk or those looking to help loved ones stay safe. Use the following resources to locate naloxone and fentanyl test strips in your area:
Community Event: Fentanyl Awareness Video Presentation
Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan, in collaboration with Wake Up Nevada, Quest Counseling and Consulting, Inc., Join Together Northern Nevada, and the Washoe County School District, is hosting an informational presentation on the impact of fentanyl overdoses in the community. The presentation will cover the risks associated with fentanyl misuse, provide resources and guidance for families and students, and raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the Spanish Springs High School Theater. The public is invited to attend.
Fentanyl is a silent killer, and every parent must understand that even a tiny amount can be deadly. Vigilance, education, and open conversations are crucial to protect our children. I’m grateful that the Washoe County School District is providing this opportunity for parents and students to learn more about this deadly epidemic.
City Attorney Wes Duncan
This event is part of a larger effort to spread awareness across Northern Nevada. More presentations are planned to ensure that families, students, and the wider community have the knowledge and resources needed to combat this crisis.
Learn More on the NOCE Dose Podcast
For deeper discussions on opioid prevention and firsthand perspectives from experts and advocates, tune into The NOCE Dose podcast. Available on all major podcast platforms and our website, this podcast delves into Nevada’s opioid crisis, exploring practical solutions, expert perspectives, and real-life stories. Recent episodes feature conversations with local leaders, prevention specialists, and individuals with lived experiences, shedding light on efforts to combat the opioid crisis and support those affected.
🎙 Listen Now: The NOCE Dose Podcast
Taking Action as a Community
Fentanyl continues to take lives at an alarming rate, but through education, awareness, and access to life-saving resources, we can protect our communities. Having open conversations, staying informed, and supporting initiatives like “Shattered Lives” are crucial steps in this effort. Together, we can make a difference.
