By Ben Botkin, Las Vegas Review-Journal

The state’s Interim Finance Committee on Oct. 19 approved more than $1 million in expenditures for a five-point opioid initiative to fight abuse of prescription painkillers in Nevada.

The initiative from Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s office was unanimously approved by the legislative panel. It includes money for everything from incinerators for disposing of drugs to education and treatment programs.

“On average, one Nevadan dies per day from drug overdose, and opioid-related overdoses have become the lead cause of death in America,” Laxalt said in a statement. He added that the initiative “creates an opportunity to face the epidemic that touches our families, friends and loved ones, and to promote prevention in Nevada.”

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