The Deadly Intersection of Heat and Overdose: Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat, Substance Use, and Overdose Risk

This webinar examines the intersection of extreme heat and substance use, focusing on how high temperatures can intensify the effects of opioids and stimulants and increase the risk of overdose, overamping, and death. Local Nevada data and epidemiological research inform the discussion.

Presenters Brandon Delise, MPH, CIC (Sr. Epidemiologist, Southern Nevada Health District) and Taylor Lensch, Ph.D., MPH (Data Analytics Manager, Larson Institute for Health Impact and Equity) cover three main areas: how extreme heat physiologically interacts with opioids and stimulants; temporal, seasonal, and geographic overdose mortality patterns during heat events in Clark County, Nevada; and practical strategies for recognizing warning signs and reducing risk.

This training offers 1 CEU and is approved for continuing education by the Nevada Certification Board for Certified Community Health Workers (CHW), Peer Recovery and Support Specialist Certification and PRSS Supervisors (PRSS/-S), and Prevention.

Funding was provided in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director's Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada (Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712–433.744). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.