The Southern Nevada Health District brought together public health leaders, community partners and stakeholders during its 2026 State of Public Health event, held in recognition of National Public Health Week, to highlight progress, share emerging data and spotlight collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes across Clark County.
Throughout the event, Health District staff and community partners shared insights from ongoing work addressing some of the region’s most pressing public health challenges — including substance use, access to care, and outreach to vulnerable populations — underscoring the impact of coordinated, community-based approaches.
District Health Officer Dr. Cassius Lockett opened the event by highlighting the role of public health in strengthening communities through prevention, partnerships and data-driven strategies.
“This past year reflects what’s possible when public health, community partners and data-driven strategies come together to meet people where they are,” said Dr. Lockett. “Through expanded partnerships, we distributed more than 200,000 doses of naloxone and reached the State’s saturation goal for the first time in Clark County, while also increasing access to testing and care across the region. Investments in public health infrastructure, including new state funding, are strengthening our ability to respond to emerging public health threats and support long-term community health. These efforts are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives today and building a stronger foundation for the future.”
A key focus of the event was the evolving overdose epidemic in Clark County. Health District subject matter experts and partners shared data showing that while overdose deaths rose sharply in recent years, preliminary data from 2025 suggest a decline locally, reflecting broader national trends while underscoring the need for sustained, targeted interventions.
Speakers highlighted ongoing initiatives that are making a difference in the community, including expanded naloxone distribution, increased availability of test strips, enhanced outreach and data tools including the regional substance use dashboard. These efforts are helping connect individuals to care, prevent fatal overdoses and strengthen coordination among response partners.
The event also showcased the Health District’s Street Medicine program, which is bringing medical care directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. Using a low-barrier, relationship-based approach, the team delivers primary care services in encampments and other outdoor locations — meeting people where they are and connecting them to ongoing care and services.
Early outreach efforts have already connected dozens of individuals to care, demonstrating the program’s potential to improve health outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. Health District staff and community partners shared perspectives on building trust, removing barriers to care and coordinating services across systems.
“Street medicine is about more than providing care in nontraditional settings. It’s about building relationships and creating pathways to long-term health and stability,” said Dr. Lockett.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with public health programs and community organizations during an open forum and resource exhibit session.
The State of Public Health event serves as an opportunity to share progress, elevate community collaboration and highlight the work underway to protect and improve the health of Southern Nevada residents.
For more information, visit https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/state-of-the-health-district/
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
