Las Vegas HEALS News

Organizations reach milestone in collaborative, door-to-door canvassing project

The Southern Nevada Health District and the Foundation for Recovery are marking a key milestone in their effort to prevent opioid overdoses in Clark County. Since July 2025, canvassers have knocked on nearly 53,000 doors to share information about overdose awareness and prevention. Nearly 12,000 doors were answered, allowing outreach workers to provide lifesaving resources directly to residents.

The canvassing project is funded by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health’s Bureau of Behavioral Health, Wellness and Prevention through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s State Opioid Response grant program. The partnership is data-driven, with neighborhoods selected based on areas experiencing higher rates of overdoses, helping ensure naloxone reaches communities with the greatest need.

Through the canvassing program, trained community messengers bring overdose prevention resources directly to residents’ homes in neighborhoods prioritized because of higher rates of fatal overdoses. Canvassers go door to door to talk with residents about overdose risks and provide free naloxone and fentanyl and xylazine test strips, along with brief instruction on how to use them. Residents have responded positively to the outreach and, in some cases, have requested that canvassers return for additional visits.

“Reaching well over 50,000 doors is a powerful testament to what’s possible when public health and community partners work together with a shared purpose,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “This milestone represents more than numbers—it reflects meaningful conversations, increased awareness and lives saved by connecting people directly with overdose prevention resources.”

Overdose surveillance data from September 2024 through August 2025 indicate a 50% increase in fentanyl deaths (from 0.8 deaths per 100,000 population to 1.2 deaths per 100,000) and an increase of almost 42% in methamphetamine-involved deaths (from 1.08 per 100,000 population to 1.53 per 100,000). These trends in overdose mortality underscore the importance of this initiative, especially since most overdose deaths occur within the home setting.

The State Opioid Response grant is awarded to each state to help prevent further opioid overdoses and provide funding to connect individuals to evidence-based treatment and recovery resources. This grant allows each state to tailor interventions to best suit their local communities. In Nevada, the State Opioid Response grant supports programs for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services across the Silver State, including efforts to expand access to naloxone—which can reverse an opioid overdose—and the expansion of overdose prevention programs to decrease overdose deaths and reduce the transmission of infectious diseases among people who use drugs.

“Door-to-door outreach works because it’s personal,” said Sean O’Donnell, executive director of Foundation for Recovery. “When people open their doors, they’re often opening up about concerns, loss or uncertainty around substance use in their communities. This project allows us to listen first, share practical tools and connect residents with support in a way that respects dignity and builds trust.”

Overdose prevention practices don’t stop there. The Health District provides naloxone and test strips for fentanyl and xylazine without a prescription at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Additional distribution locations for naloxone and test strips can be found on the Substance Use Dashboard.

Naloxone should be given in response to any suspected overdose to reverse possible opioid effects, and 911 should be called for further medical evaluation. More information about overdose response is available at 6 Things to Know About Overdose Response.

People who use substances, or their loved ones, can get more information about support and resources through the Southern Nevada Post Overdose Response Team (SPORT). For information on Foundation for Recovery, go to Foundation for Recovery.org.

For more information about how the Division of Public and Behavioral Health supports substance use services in Nevada, visit Substance Use In Nevada.

Foundation for Recovery is Nevada’s statewide Recovery Community Organization – a charitable nonprofit led by volunteers and staff recovering from mental health and substance use disorders. For 20 years the Foundation for Recovery has advocated for policies to expand behavioral health services in Nevada, raise awareness and reduce stigma, and provide accessible peer support, recovery housing, employment, and health services to individuals and families in Las Vegas.

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.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (Comprehensive) has announced the addition of three medical oncologists and hematologists, Jaren Lerner, MD, Shahid Malik, MD and K. Saad Jahangir, MD, to its multi-specialty team.

Dr. Jaren Lerner is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive’s Southwest – Southern Hills treatment center, located at 6080 S. Fort Apache Road, where he provides medical care for a wide range of cancers with a special interest in malignant hematology, skin cancers and genitourinary malignancies. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky’s Division of Hospital Medicine, where he focused on clinical service as a hospitalist, managed complex inpatient cases with varied acute medical problems, delivered grand round lectures and supervised medical students and residents. During his time as resident physician of internal medicine at Eisenhower Medical Center, he gained extensive procedural experience with bedside ultrasound, worked with high acuity patients including geriatric patients with multiple comorbidities, taught and mentored third and fourth-year medical students and treated patients in the high-risk HIV community.

Dr. Lerner earned his medical degree from the Ross University School of Medicine in 2018. He completed a three-year internal medicine residency at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. before completing a clinical fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Louisiana State University, Shreveport. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a minor in Spanish from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Dr. Shahid Malik is an experienced medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive’s Central Valley – Twain treatment center, located at 3730 S Eastern Ave in Las Vegas, where he treats both benign and malignant blood disorders with a special interest in the treatment of lung cancer. Previously, he served at South Bay Cancer Center in Chula Vista, Calif., and Arizona Cancer Center in Kingman, Ariz. His career includes serving in the distinguished position of Director of Kingman Regional Cancer Center at Kingman Regional Medical Center where he also served as an attending medical oncologist and hematologist.

Dr. Malik received his medical degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. He was an internal medicine house officer at Civil Hospital in Karachi before undertaking a general medicine externship at Bergen County Pines Hospital in New Jersey. He completed a preliminary year in internal medicine at Catholic Medical Center in Queens, N.Y, followed by an internal medicine residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Mass. before completing a hematology/oncology fellowship and a bone marrow transplant fellowship at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

Dr. K. Saad Jahangir is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive’s Summerlin Medical Center I/Town Center location. Previously, Dr. Jahangir served as the Director of Clinical Trials and Research for OptumCare Cancer Care Center in Nevada, where he pioneered a ground-up research program in Las Vegas and launched a Precision Medicine Program that achieved national and global recognition, including an international award for research and innovation. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and holds leadership positions as co-chair of the Summerlin Hospital Oncology Division and Cancer Committee, as well as Vice Chair of the UMC Institutional Review Board.

Dr. Jahangir earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed a general surgery internship at SUNY at Syracuse University, followed by an internal medicine residency at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He furthered his specialized training with a geriatrics fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and a hematology/oncology fellowship at Louisiana State University.

About Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is an award-winning multi-specialty practice comprising medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling clinical research and other infusion services, with treatment centers and offices throughout Southern Nevada. For more than 50 years, the practice has provided oncology services to patients in and out of state with a specialized physician and nursing staff. Comprehensive, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, offers state-of-the-art technologies, latest advancements in cancer treatment and groundbreaking clinical research trials. The practice participates in more than 150 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies each year and has played a role in developing more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.cccnevada.com, and follow the practice on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud as well as abuse or neglect of residents in health care facilities and board and care facilities and of Medicaid enrollees in noninstitutional or other settings.

You can learn more about what’s being done about Medicare fraud in the United States, and right here in Nevada, through the following resources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General – Medicaid Fraud Control Units
• State of Nevada – Provider Exclusions, Sanctions and Press Releases
• Nevada Medicaid Sanctions/Office of Inspector General Exclusions List

Check back on this page as data accessible via these links is updated.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers (Comprehensive) has announced the appointment of Samantha Barnes as director of public relations and government affairs. In this role, she leads strategic communications and public relations initiatives to position the practice as a world-class provider of oncology and pulmonary services.

Samantha brings a deep background in healthcare policy and legislative advocacy to the practice. Prior to joining Comprehensive, she spent seven years at Carrara Nevada, where she was instrumental in the successful passage of legislation to license genetic counselors in Nevada during the 2025 Legislative Session: a key initiative that expanded patient access to specialized care throughout the state.

“Samantha’s breadth of experience in stakeholder relations and her proven track record in community engagement makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Lisa Santwer, Executive Director at Comprehensive. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our patient-first mission and strengthen our presence within the community and at the legislative level.”

Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She leverages her background in strategic communication and advocacy to drive innovation and support Comprehensive’s commitment to providing high-quality care to patients across Southern Nevada.

About Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is an award-winning multi-specialty practice comprising medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling clinical research and other infusion services, with treatment centers and offices throughout Southern Nevada. For more than 50 years, the practice has provided oncology services to patients in and out of state with a specialized physician and nursing staff. Comprehensive, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, offers state-of-the-art technologies, latest advancements in cancer treatment and groundbreaking clinical research trials. The practice participates in more than 150 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies each year and has played a role in developing more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit the company’s website.

The Southern Nevada Health District has been selected by the Alzheimer’s Association to participate in a national initiative designed to help communities better understand, prevent and respond to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Health District is one of only 16 local health departments and tribal health organizations nationwide selected through a competitive application process.

The selection places the Health District in the 2026 cohort of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Strategist and Champion Programs. Over the past four years, the programs have supported more than 50 health departments and tribal organizations nationwide. Southern Nevada now joins a small group of communities working to bring brain health and dementia beyond the doctor’s office and into everyday public health practice—similar to long-standing efforts focused on heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

“This initiative helps us look at brain health the same way we look at heart health or diabetes, as something we can work on together as a community,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Participating in this program allows us to raise awareness, reduce stigma around dementia, and connect people with reliable information and support.”

The program provides funding, training and technical assistance to help health departments address dementia at the community level. Over the next year, the Health District will focus on building partnerships, increasing public awareness, and developing local strategies that support brain health across Southern Nevada.

What this means

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 10.9% of adults 65 and older in Clark County—approximately 39,300 people—are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect not only individuals and families, but entire communities. As the population ages, more Southern Nevada residents are experiencing memory loss, confusion and other cognitive challenges, while thousands of family members and friends provide care.

The Healthy Brain Initiative treats dementia as a public health issue, not solely a medical one. This approach emphasizes prevention, education, early detection and support systems, long before someone requires full-time care.

Through the initiative, the Health District will work to:

• Help residents understand what brain health is and why it matters
• Promote behaviors that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, such as managing chronic conditions, staying socially connected and maintaining physical activity
• Improve access to information about dementia and available community resources
• Support caregivers, who often experience stress, burnout and health challenges of their own
• Strengthen coordination among health care providers, community organizations and local leaders

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the initiative emphasizes community-driven strategies, allowing the Health District to tailor efforts to the unique needs, cultures and demographics of Southern Nevada.

A national effort with local impact

Participating organizations designate a public health professional to serve as a Strategist or Champion, leading local efforts to integrate dementia into public health planning. These leaders assess community needs, build partnerships and develop action plans using the Alzheimer’s Association’s Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Series, a nationally recognized framework for addressing brain health and dementia.

For Southern Nevada, this means aligning local data, existing programs and community input to better prepare for the growing impact of dementia, particularly as the region’s older adult population continues to increase.

Why this matters for Southern Nevada

By participating in the Healthy Brain Initiative, the Health District aims to:

• Increase public awareness so residents recognize when memory changes may be a cause for concern
• Reduce stigma surrounding dementia and cognitive impairment
• Encourage earlier conversations among patients, families and health care providers
• Improve coordination among agencies serving older adults and caregivers

This work also helps ensure dementia-related planning is integrated into broader public health efforts—­­­­­­­­­­­­from emergency preparedness to chronic disease prevention—rather than addressed in isolation.

Additional information about Alzheimer’s and dementia is available at Alzheimer’s and dementia | National Institute on Aging.

Resources available to the community for overdose prevention

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified medetomidine—a veterinary sedative also known as “rhino tranq”—in the local illicit drug supply through its community drug surveillance program, which anonymously samples used drug paraphernalia. While medetomidine use has not been widely reported in Nevada, the Health District has confirmed five positive samples since July 1, 2025, representing less than 1% of all samples collected since September 2024.

Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine (“tranq”), that is 100 to 200 times more potent than xylazine and can cause longer-lasting sedation, low heart rate and more severe withdrawal symptoms. It is not an opioid but has been found in the local illicit drug supply, most often in combination with fentanyl.

“The detection of medetomidine in our local illicit drug supply is a serious and evolving public health concern,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “This potent veterinary sedative—often mixed with opioids like fentanyl—can cause profound sedation and unpredictable effects, increasing the risk of severe harm or death. We are urging residents and health care providers to stay informed, access community overdose prevention resources, and seek help immediately if they suspect exposure.”

Clark County overdose surveillance data from September 2024 to August 2025 indicate a 50% increase in fentanyl deaths (from 0.8 deaths per 100,000 population to 1.2 deaths per 100,000) and an increase of almost 42% in methamphetamine-involved deaths (from 1.08 per 100,000 population to 1.53 per 100,000). Thus far, medetomidine has not been implicated in any overdose deaths in Clark County.

Symptoms and overdose
Medetomidine primarily causes profound sedation but may also lead to low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, dizziness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, blurred vision and confusion. Because of its strong sedative effects, a person who has overdosed on a drug containing medetomidine may remain sedated and unresponsive after naloxone is administered, even if the opioid component of the overdose is successfully reversed. When responding to a suspected overdose, it is critical to prioritize breathing over responsiveness by ensuring the person takes at least one breath every five seconds and does not appear pale, gray or blue. It is also essential to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Overdose prevention practices can help prevent overdose deaths. The Health District currently provides test strips for both fentanyl and xylazine without a prescription at the pharmacy at its Main Public Health Center located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Additional distribution locations for test strips can be found at Substance Use Dashboard.

Medetomidine is not an opioid, and naloxone (Narcan®) will not reverse the effects of a medetomidine overdose. However, as medetomidine is found in substance mixtures containing fentanyl, it is important to use overdose response protocol. Call 9-1-1 for further medical evaluation and administer naloxone in response to any suspected overdose to reverse possible opioid effects. More tips on overdose response are available at 6 Things to Know about Overdose Response.

To learn more about medetomidine, go to Medetomidine Fast Facts. People who are using substances, or their loved ones, can obtain more information about support and resources from the Southern Nevada Health District Post Overdose Team website.

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.

Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospitals is pleased to announce the appointment of local healthcare executive Maggie Arias-Petrel as the new Chair of its Community Board of Directors. Ms. Arias-Petrel brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community health, having previously served for ten years on the hospital Community Board and currently as a member of the Board of the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, which provides vital support for St. Rose Dominican Hospitals.

Ms. Arias-Petrel is the Market President of Soran Health, where she has leveraged more than thirty years of experience in medical practice management, marketing, and consulting. Born in Quito, Ecuador, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad Central of Quito-Ecuador. Her extensive background provides her with a unique understanding of the complexities and operational needs of a comprehensive healthcare system.

Deeply involved at the local, national, and international levels, Ms. Arias-Petrel is particularly passionate about ensuring healthcare access for underserved communities in Nevada. Her distinguished record of community service includes previously serving as Chair of the Board of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, alongside her contributions to numerous other prominent organizations such as The American Red Cross, Nathan Adelson Hospice Community Board, and Workforce Connections.

“We are fortunate to have Maggie Arias-Petrel step into this leadership role on our Community Board,” said Katherine Vergos, Market President & CEO of Dignity Health Las Vegas. “Her extensive healthcare expertise, profound dedication to community, and her long-standing relationship with St. Rose Dominican will be invaluable as we continue to evolve to meet the healthcare needs of Southern Nevada during these challenging times. Maggie’s passion for health equity and her understanding of our community’s diverse needs perfectly align with our mission and values.”

The St. Rose Dominican Hospital Community Board plays a crucial and multifaceted role in ensuring that the hospital remains a vibrant, responsive, and deeply integrated healthcare provider within the communities it serves in Southern Nevada. While not involved in day-to-day operational management, the Community Board’s functions, roles, and responsibilities are essential for maintaining the hospital’s relevance, ethical standards, and community trust.

Key responsibilities of the Community Board include:

Serving as a community advocate to ensure the hospital’s services and programs are responsive to the unique demographic and health challenges of Southern Nevada

Ensuring Dignity Health’s mission, vision, and values are upheld

Ensuring the hospital’s clinical services, outreach programs, and community engagement efforts are consistently aligned with the organization’s commitment to compassionate care, service to the poor and vulnerable, and social justice.

Providing diverse perspectives to ensure a broad range of viewpoints are considered in discussions and decision-making.

Under Ms. Arias-Petrel’s leadership, the St. Rose Dominican Hospital Community Board will continue to be instrumental in deepening the hospital’s commitment to community health and well-being, ensuring that St. Rose Dominican Hospitals remains a trusted and essential healthcare partner in the region.

About Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican:
Nevada’s only not-for-profit, faith-based health system, Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospitals remain guided by the vision and values of the Adrian Dominican Sisters who founded Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson in 1947. Dignity Health now operates three acute care hospitals in southern Nevada – the Siena, San Martin, and Rose de Lima Campuses. St. Rose Dominican Hospitals is a member of the Dignity Health network of nearly 10,000 physicians, 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and more than 400 care centers, urgent and occupational care, imaging centers, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. More than 75 years after the arrival of the original seven Sisters in Henderson, the 3,000 employees of the St. Rose Dominican health system continue the Sisters’ mission of serving people in need, especially the most vulnerable. For more information, visit http://www.strosehospitals.org.

Dignity Health hospitals in Nevada are supported by the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, whose mission is to improve community health and wellness through fundraising and relationship building with caring supporters who donate or pledge to fund our work. To learn more, visit supportstrose.org or email strosefoundation@dignityhealth.org.