Fund for Resilient Nevada report shows provisional rise in overdose deaths; committee forms three subcommittees

The Advisory Committee for a Resilient Nevada heard the Fund for Resilient Nevada’s annual report March 5 and voted to form three subcommittees to advise funding priorities for the coming year.

Dawn Yowie, presenting the FRN annual report, told the committee provisional 2024 data indicate 1,253 overdose deaths statewide, and that 792 of those deaths (63%) involved opioids. FRN cited the Nevada Office of Analytics and the Nevada High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program in its summary. “Provisional 2024 data indicates 1,253 overdose deaths statewide, representing the continued upward trend,” the presentation said.

The report highlighted funded programs and regional progress. For example, a frontier treatment and housing program served 11 unique clients and delivered 735 bed days through November of last year, while a youth prevention program served 147 unduplicated youth and exceeded enrollment targets. A permanency‑focused program served 183 children and achieved 45 permanency matches and 27 finalized adoptions or guardianships, according to the presentation.

Committee members asked for greater expenditure transparency. One member said the expenditure table on the dashboard showed a list of award codes but not clear, provider‑level dollar amounts. FRN staff said the dashboard is being updated to show awarded amounts by provider and that their data analyst is working on that enhancement.

Members also raised the statewide naloxone shortage. FRN staff (recorded in the meeting as Donielle) said FRN sets aside dollars for naloxone purchases each year and has established an account through which some providers can purchase naloxone and bill FRN’s account; staff said they are coordinating with sister agencies to ensure adequate supply.

On subcommittees, TJ Mills moved — and a committee member seconded — to combine data and social determinants with recovery support into one subcommittee and to create prevention and treatment subcommittees. The motion passed by voice vote. Members volunteered to serve: Alyssa Planis and TJ Mills on data & social determinants; Sway Mackie and Jamie Hatfield to lead prevention; and Danita Smith, Sue Mackie, Taylor Tomlinson and Jamie Hatfield among members for treatment. Staff said chairs may appoint non‑ACRN members and that the appointments will be revisited next meeting to include absent members.

The committee set a goal of meeting monthly through July to develop the annual report and asked staff to circulate scheduling polls. The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m.