In December 2018, Partnership Douglas County led the community’s efforts to publish one of the state’s first overdose preparedness plans. Key stakeholders involved in overdose preparedness and response planning efforts included law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, fire/EMS, social services, and other members of the Douglas County Behavioral Health Task Force. These planning efforts have prepared community agencies in responding to the current spike in overdoses including three near fatal overdoses that occurred in less than 72 hours during May 2020.

From September 2018 to August 2019, Partnership Douglas County leveraged state and federal funding to provide 120 members of the community and cross-sector professionals with no-cost training on how to safely administer naloxone as well as two doses of nasal naloxone.

Partnership Douglas County offers free community naloxone trainings several times a year. Residents can contact our office to register for upcoming trainings and to access additional doses of nasal naloxone.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act of 2015 (Senate Bill 459, Chapter 26, Statutes of Nevada 2015 NRS 453C.120) created various provisions addressing the opiate overdose epidemic that continues to claim over 300 lives per year in Nevada. The law prevents punitive actions against health professionals and any person who administers naloxone or calls 911 to assist someone who may be overdosing on opiates. It also provides immunity to persons seeking medical treatment for an opioid overdose for themselves or someone else. You can access the law here.

Now is a great time to connect friends and family members in-need to substance use treatment options. Visit our website or call our office at (775) 782-8611 for resources or more information.

To learn more about the life-saving drug, naloxone, click here.