The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has released a powerful 20-minute video that focuses on the growing fentanyl crisis and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and the community.
Titled “Fatal Dose: The Rise of Fentanyl in Our Community,” the video delivers a raw, unfiltered look at how this deadly synthetic opioid is taking lives and tearing families apart—while also highlighting the real people behind the headlines. Through emotional firsthand accounts, viewers will gain insight into the toll fentanyl takes on those struggling with addiction, the loved ones left to cope, and the professionals on the front line combating the epidemic.
“Fentanyl isn’t just a national crisis—it’s right here in the community of Washoe County,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “We’re seeing it in our streets, our neighborhoods, and our detention facility. We produced this video to not only educate and spread awareness, but also to save lives.”
In addition to raising awareness, the video underscores the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to addressing this growing threat to our community’s health and safety. Inside the Washoe County Detention Facility, professionals are working to break the cycle of addiction through:
-
Inmate addiction treatment programs
-
Mental health support services
-
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
-
Comprehensive reentry planning and resources
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to address the opioid crisis through prevention, enforcement, education, and rehabilitation.
The Sheriff’s Office invites the public, community partners, educators, and media outlets to watch and share the video. Raising awareness is a key step in saving lives.
Watch the full video here: Fatal Dose: The Rise of Fentanyl in Our Community
