News

Each year, on October 23-31, individuals, schools, and communities across the United States show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs faced by individuals, families, and communities. This annual health observance encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

Nevada Essentials for Childhood (NVEFC) has released new reports in its online data library, offering a closer look at what Nevada’s children and youth are experiencing. The reports share the latest findings on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Nevada Syndromic Surveillance.

Kratom, a tropical botanical product that produces stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses, has become a central focus of public health discussions due to its potential for physical dependence and adverse health events. While Nevada initially pioneered a harm-reduction model through the 2019 Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate adult sales, product labeling, and purity, rising health concerns over high-potency extracts have led state regulators and the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy to evaluate classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance.

The Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team has released October updates, including new monthly surveillance reports and upcoming office hours for partners interested in overdose data.

The TMCC Counseling Center and Wake Up Nevada marked the completion of a new community partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21 at Truckee Meadows Community College's Dandini campus. The event celebrated the installation of a free naloxone (Narcan) access box near the campus's RTC bus waiting area, making the overdose-reversal medication free and anonymous for students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.

This September, in recognition of National Recovery Month, we're highlighting organizations across Nevada that support people and families affected by substance use and recovery. First up: Shine A Light Foundation in Southern Nevada. Shine A Light Foundation serves individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder throughout Southern Nevada, with a particular focus on individuals living in the flood channels, tunnels, encampments, and other areas not traditionally reached by services.