HENDERSON, Nev. (Dec. 12, 2023) – As we enter the holiday season, the City of Henderson is raising awareness of the ever-increasing influx of fentanyl into Southern Nevada and a skyrocketing rate of resulting overdose deaths through its “Risk It All With Fentanyl” campaign.

The holidays can be tough on the mental health of residents of all ages, including youths. Loneliness and depression can lead to increase in risky behavior, including abuse of drugs that can be laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is often taken unknowingly via counterfeit pills or other drugs sold on social media.

“The holidays are a time for family, friends and festivities, and no time for a fentanyl overdose. It only takes one pill to kill, so I urge everyone to be vigilant about only taking medicine prescribed by your doctor,” said Mayor Michelle Romero. “Please help us share our ‘Risk It All With Fentanyl’ campaign to help build awareness in our community about the lethal dangers of fentanyl and how to protect your loved ones for a safe holiday season.”

According to recent data from the Southern Nevada Health District and the Nevada Electronic Death Registry System, from 2011 to 2022 there was a 620 percent increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths among Clark County residents, many of whom may have unknowingly ingested it.

The City of Henderson launched the “Risk it All with Fentanyl” campaign at a multi-jurisdictional Fentanyl Awareness Summit in May, and continues to raise awareness regarding the deadly consequences of fentanyl by directly targeting ages 13 - 18 on social media, YouTube and more.

To view the City of Henderson’s “Risk it All with Fentanyl” awareness campaign and community toolkit, as well as learn more about training sessions and outreach programs, visit riskitallwithfentanyl.com.