In this insightful conversation, Bianca D. McCall and Erik Schoen discuss the challenges and opportunities in addressing opioid use disorder and mental health in rural Nevada. They explore the importance of community engagement, pro-social activities, and the need for a shift in mental health models to better serve the unique needs of rural populations. Erik shares his experiences and insights on building infrastructure, fostering connections, and the existential aspects of health and wellness. In this conversation, Erik Schoen and Bianca D. McCall discuss the importance of building trust in rural communities, the role of lived experience in treatment, and the integration of holistic approaches and technology in mental health care. They emphasize the need for cultural competence, the empowerment of community members, and the significance of mentorship in fostering growth within these communities. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between traditional treatment methods and innovative, community-driven solutions.
Guest:
Erik Schoen, LCPC, CEO, Community Chest
Erik has been a professional counselor since receiving his Masters Degree from Arizona State University in 1993. Since 1993, Erik has worked in drug and alcohol treatment facilities (both inpatient and out), domestic violence treatment centers for both women and men, agencies for the treatment of chronic mental illness, private practice, and more. Erik has helped many individuals to successfully address their substance abuse issues – ranging from alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, and methamphetamine . He has also helped high schools in developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to prevention and treatment by focusing on resiliency factors, utilizing peer leaders, and implementing school assistance programs. Erik is currently the Executive Director at Community Chest where he has been for over 25 years. In his current capacity, Erik works within communities to help develop positive, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to addressing myriad issues that face communities.
Resources:
- New York Times Article “New Orleans’ Striking Advantage in the Age of Climate Change”
- Community Chest Nevada – communitychestnevada.net
- Essentials of Chemical Dependency Counseling – proedinc.com (by Gary W. Lawson, Ann W. Lawson, and Erik E. Schoen)
- Healthy Communities Coalition – healthycomm.org
- Surgeon General’s Report on Social Connection & Health Risks – hhs.gov
- Silver State Health Improvement Plan (2023-2028) – dpbh.nv.gov
- Nevada’s Health Improvement Plan: A Blueprint for Behavioral Health Providers – casatondemand.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – MAT Overview – samhsa.gov
- Find a MAT Provider – SAMHSA Treatment Locator – findtreatment.samhsa.gov
- Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE) – MOUD Resources & Training – nvopioidcoe.org
