Prevention tops Nevada group’s recommendations to stop drug abuse

Greg Haas
·2 min read

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada should double the money it spends through a state agency for drug abuse prevention and treatment, according to recommendations released today.

The statewide Substance Use Response Working Group (SURG), said Nevada should increase the allocation to the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency to $24 million. That was one of 20 recommendations from SURG, created by 2021 legislation to guide programs designed to combat substance misuse and advise state and local agencies on funding.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced the release of SURG’s 2023 annual report on Thursday.

“I have made it clear during my time in office that curbing the opioid epidemic and other crises of substance misuse is one of my highest priorities,” Ford said. “I want to thank every member of SURG for the work they have done in producing these recommendations, which, if adopted, will significantly impact our state’s ability to fight substance misuse and substance use disorders.”

The group’s highest priority was to fund substance abuse education in a cost-effective way, citing prevention as an effective way to help more people from falling into abuse in the first place. “This long-term investment in Nevada’s youth can reduce substance use and risk behavior in our state,” according to the report.

The top five recommendations:

  • Double the investment in the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency to a total of $24 million this biennium.

  • Expand access to medication-assisted treatment and recovery support for substance use disorder and limit barriers to individuals seeking treatment without the ability to pay.

  • Expand Medicaid billing opportunities for preventive services and allow blended and braided funding to expand access to care.

  • Significantly increase capacity of and access to treatment and intensive care facilities for youths under the age of 18.

  • Create a bill draft request that would set aside $6.2 million from the Fund for a Healthy Nevada for tobacco control and prevention.

The full 73-page report is available online.

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