As drug overdoses decline nationally, Nevada sees increased rates

August 31 marked International Overdose Awareness Day, as Las Vegas locals gathered to commemorate their late loved ones and look for paths forward.

According to CDC data, from March of 2024 to March of this year, Nevada's drug overdose death toll rose to 1,600 people, an 8% jump.

That makes Nevada one of only three states — the other two being Arizona and Hawaii — that experienced an increase in overdose deaths during that time. In the rest of the country, overdose fatalities fell by an average of 25%.

Sean O'Donnell is the executive director of Foundation for Recovery, which provides services for people struggling with substance abuse disorders. O'Donnell said factors in Nevada are culminating to create an environment conducive to overdoses.

"When we're talking about those other soci