CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM
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Petitioner: |
Melanie Rouse, Coroner |
Recommendation:
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Ratify and authorize the Chair to sign the grant documents and approve acceptance of $975,000 in State Opioid Grant funds awarded to the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner by the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Behavioral Health, Wellness and Prevention. (For possible action)
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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Fund #: |
2031.000 |
Fund Name: |
County Grants |
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Fund Center: |
1230520000 |
Funded PGM/Grant: |
1230.SOR.2026 |
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Amount: |
$975,000 |
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Description: |
Coroner Administration |
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Additional Comments: |
The grant does not require any matching funds. Grant period is 9/30/2026, through 9/29/2027. |
BACKGROUND:
The State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Bureau of Behavioral Health, Wellness and Prevention (BBHWP) has selected the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner (CCOCME) to receive the subgrant funding for the Nevada State Opioid Grant in the amount of $975,000.00 to support CCOCME's proposal to expand drug panel testing to include Xylazine and other stimulates. The expanded drug panel testing enhances the capabilities for CCOCME to identify and report on Opioid, Xylazine, and other stimulant-related deaths. The expanded testing will allow CCOCME to report and disseminate the findings of this critical data to public health agencies and relevant stakeholders. The comprehensive testing and data dissemination will support targeted harm reduction efforts, improve community awareness, and ultimately contribute to a decrease in substance-related fatalities in the region.
This subgrant will fund two (2) full-time Forensic Technicians and one (1) full-time Office Specialist. The Forensic Technicians will assist with Forensic Laboratory work such as collecting specimens for toxicology testing. The Office Specialist will provide administrative support to the grant program such as, retrieving data and composing lab results for monthly reporting to the grantor.
Given CCOCME’s prior successful participation in federal and state grant programs, staff recommend that the Board approve acceptance of this subgrant awarded through the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Behavioral Health, Wellness and Prevention, and authorize acceptance of the funds on behalf of CCOCME.
The following are the pertinent provisions of the contract:
•The term of the contract is from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027.
•This contract includes the County's option to terminate with advanced written notice.