Issue Position: Substance Abuse

Issue Position

The opioid crisis has impacted families of all backgrounds and incomes. Leaders in Clark County have addressed this issue head-on, and are seeing progress. Much credit goes to the individuals and institutions who brought this issue to the forefront, and made tough decisions and policies. Past and current health county officers, emergency personnel, first responders, members of Clark County Cares, and others have made saving lives a priority. The needle exchange program has been expanded. Heroin-related emergency room visits are down, and the number of overdose significantly decreased. More resources, including short- and long-term treatment facilities, have been made available to patients with opioid issues.

Let's keep the momentum going:

Be sure funding for research, prevention, and treatment remains a priority.
Encourage patients and providers to consider nonnarcotic means of controlling pain.
Address drug dependence before it begins--in the middle and high school classrooms.

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