Nevada is working on a new health plan that could affect thousands of families – and state leaders want your voice heard.
But there’s a twist: they’re worried robots are trying to mess it up.
The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health just launched a survey to help shape what’s called the Nevada Syndemic Plan.
That’s a big word, but it means they’re tackling several health problems at once – things like HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and drug use.
Think of it like fixing more than one leak in a pipe at the same time. These issues often go hand-in-hand, and the state wants to stop them together, not one at a time.
Right now, they’re asking regular Nevadans – yes, people like you – to take a short online survey.
It takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and your answers are private. No names, no tracking. Just honest feedback on what Nevada should do to keep people healthier.
But here’s the catch: they’re not posting the link on Facebook, X, or other public sites.
Why? Because bots – fake online accounts run by computers – have been filling out the survey instead of real people.
“We’ve seen AI bots respond to publicly posted URLs,” said Heather Kerwin, an epidemiologist with the Office of State Epidemiology. “It makes it hard to know what’s real.”
That means they’re sending the link by email to people they think might care – like community leaders, health workers, or folks involved in local groups.
This isn’t just a random survey. The results will help decide how millions of taxpayer dollars are spent on health programs across Nevada – from Las Vegas to Elko to rural towns with no clinics nearby.
And that’s important.
In 2023, Clark County had the highest rate of new HIV cases in the state – more than 70% of all diagnoses.
At the same time, overdose deaths from drugs like fentanyl keep rising. Nevada saw over 1,000 overdose deaths in 2024, up from just 600 in 2020. [DPBH: Overdose Data Report 2024]
The state says this plan isn’t about pushing any agenda – it’s about listening. They want to hear from everyday people, not just politicians or bureaucrats.
“We’re planning focus groups in all 17 counties,” Kerwin said. “We want to hear from real Nevadans – especially those who’ve been affected.”
Still, some conservatives have questions. They’re asking:
Who exactly is choosing who gets the survey? Is the government collecting private data, even if they say it’s anonymous? And could this lead to more mandates or spending without voter approval?
Those are fair concerns.
But the bottom line is this: the state is trying to fix serious health problems – and they’re asking for help from the people they serve.
You don’t have to take the survey. But if you care about how health money is spent in Nevada, this is a rare chance to speak up – before the decisions are made.
The survey is open to all Nevadans 18 and older. You can find it at:
https://qualtricsxms6fw7kbkn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eb8u92mI3TysWqO
Just remember – don’t post the link online. The state wants real voices, not robots.
And if you know someone who works with community groups, health services, or outreach programs – especially in rural Nevada – share it with them directly.
This is one of those quiet moments when regular people can actually shape state policy. No speeches. No protests. Just a few minutes of your time – and your honest opinion.
That’s how freedom works. Not just in the big fights – but in the small ones, too.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
