This Listening Session shares experiences with fentanyl test strip education and distribution, preparedness for overdose emergencies; the evolution of Harm Reduction, and emerging groups of synthetic opioids.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will develop a comprehensive understanding of overdose emergencies, including recognizing signs and symptoms associated with opioid overdose.
- Participants will be able to explain the significance and application of harm reduction strategies, including fentanyl test strip education and distribution.
- Participants will learn about the evolution of harm reduction practices and be introduced to emerging groups of synthetic opioids, enhancing their preparedness to address overdose emergencies within their communities.
Moderator:
Bianca D. McCall, LMFT is a retired professional women’s basketball player. She is an international TED Speaker, and renowned mental health researcher and expert. Bianca is a licensed clinical therapist, with 25 years in Behavioral Health, and 12 years as a Healthcare CEO. In recent years, she has grown significantly in the digital health space, and created a first-of-its-kind social-emotional platform, designed to improve human health span.
For more than a decade, her work and research has been dedicated to psychological (mental) injury prevention and the discovery of innovations addressing existential isolation. Bianca is passionate about leading projects which promote ongoing research in mental injury prevention, integration of technologies, data analytics, and the discovery of culturally and linguistically responsive crisis interventions. Bianca represents Nevada, on national committees and namely the Suicide Prevention Resource Center; designated by SAMHSA, and Steering Committee for the U.S. Department of Public Health and is a contributor to the National Strategies for Suicide Prevention in areas of Clinical Education, Provider Standards, and Technology. Bianca is a subject matter expert, a curriculum developer, and instructor in higher education with the Centers for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), Region 9, housed at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Panelists:
Darcy Patterson, RN, Founder and President, Wakeupnv
Darcy Patterson is a dedicated registered nurse at Gentiva Hospice and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. More importantly, she is the proud mother of two incredible children, J.W. Patterson and Kirsten Yamaoka.In 2020, Darcy had the opportunity to contribute to Nevada’s new awareness initiative campaign by putting a face and story to the cause, leading to the formation of Wakeupnv. Passionate about the importance of preventing early drug use to save lives, she was appointed to the board of Safe Launch Healthy Futures, a vital non-profit organization.
Recently, Darcy has partnered with several forward-thinking non-profits that are making a positive impact in the community, including Black Wall Street Reno, Tu Casa Latina, Nevada Urban Indians, and USARehabCenters.org. She invites everyone to join the mission to prevent overdoses and save lives within the community.
Katarina Pulver, Health Educator II, Office of Disease Surveillance Division of Disease Surveillance and Control
Katarina Pulver is an experienced Health Educator with a strong background in training, program development, and community outreach. Currently serving as a Health Educator II at the Southern Nevada Health District, she has played a pivotal role in organizing events like the Southern Nevada Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention Summit and developing critical public health initiatives, such as the Fentanyl Test Strip Program. With a history of leadership roles in non-profit organizations, Katarina is committed to improving public health and supporting community wellness in the Las Vegas area.
Bethany Wilkins, Education and Advocacy Committee Chair, Northern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance
Bethany Wilkins is a seasoned expert in rural harm reduction with over a decade of personal recovery and professional experience. She founded Nevada County’s first Syringe Service Program (SSP) in 2020 and has spent over ten years practicing harm reduction, including five years in street-based outreach and public health. Starting her Masters in Public Health in 2025, Bethany focuses on evidence-based methods to reduce the harms of substance use and improve access to care and education in underserved areas. Her work spans policy and program development, innovative treatment models, and community outreach. Bethany has also served as an advisor for Nevada County Public Health’s AOD department and Nevada County Mental Health and Substance Use Advisory Board, and she serves as Education and Advocacy Chair for Northern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance. Known for her dedication and advocacy, she continues to influence policy and practice, striving to create a more compassionate and practical approach to drug use.
Donald Griffin, PRSS-S, CHW II, Co-founder and Director, Black Wall Street Reno
Donald Griffin’s journey led him to the last house on Black Wall Street, a symbolic place where he began to heal from the bumps and bruises of life. Having overcome the grip of alcohol and the scars left by addiction, he found clarity and purpose as his mind and body healed.Three years into his sobriety, Donald became acutely aware of the growing issues among the youth in Reno, Nevada—rising overdoses, homelessness, school dropouts, and suicides. Reflecting on the role models and influences that shaped his life, he felt a deep sense of responsibility and fear for the future.
Seven years later, Donald’s efforts have resulted in the installation of over 20 Narcan boxes throughout the Reno-Sparks area to combat the opioid crisis. Under his leadership, a youth Peer-to-Peer program has been developed and implemented in Washoe County School District. His organization also hosts suicide prevention, “Stop the Bleed,” and Harm Reduction classes, and provides essential services such as a diaper bank, food pantry, and street outreach team. The list of their contributions continues to grow.
As the Co-founder and Director, and a parent himself, Donald is dedicated to ensuring that youth receive the education they need in self-preservation, credit building, vocational skills, home economics, leadership training, and enjoying life while learning to become productive members of society. Above all, his goal is to help them develop a sense of pride in themselves.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here. It is also approved by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS, PRSS-S, and Prevention Specialists.
Funding for this activity was made possible 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, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.