The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)

Building Resilient Communities: Local Strategies to Combat the Opioid Crisis
2026-02-02 15:30 - 16:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
This webinar will explore how communities across the country are responding to the opioid epidemic with innovative, grassroots solutions. This session will highlight proven strategies for prevention, treatment access, and recovery support. Attendees will gain practical tools, hear real-world success stories, and leave them inspired to take action in their own communities.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will:

Understand the current landscape of the opioid crisis in communities
Learn about effective, community-driven strategies and programs
Discover tools and resources to implement or enhance local initiatives
Connect with others working on similar challenges

Intended Audience: Local leaders, healthcare providers, educators, community organizations, and community members.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.

Community of Practice: Integrating Addiction Treatment Services Into Primary Care
2026-02-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
Description:
With their training in whole-person care, primary care providers are often the first providers to witness how addiction – to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances – complicates their patients’ mental and physical condition. Yet primary care providers often have many questions about how to manage substance use disorders (SUDs) in their health center practice. This eight-session Community of Practice (CoP) will guide HRSA-supported health center staff to integrate SUD services into their primary care setting. Grounded in the belief that addiction treatment is a fundamental part of whole-person care, CoP participants will learn from addiction medicine experts and health center colleagues about building shared language around addiction; forming a high-performing addiction/integration treatment team; evaluating and administering screening tools; next steps after a positive SUD screening; managing referrals; and sustaining their health center SUD program. This CoP will provide health centers the opportunity to learn about and exchange effective strategies to provide impactful, team-based addiction care.
Behavioral health professionals may earn one continuing education credit for attending each CoP session.
Objectives:
At the end of this CoP, participants will be able to:

Apply communication techniques for discussing addiction with patients, colleagues, and co-providers.
Outline how to create a high-performing addiction integration team.
Evaluate processes for SUD screening, assessment, treatment, and referrals.
Use a Plan, Do, Study, Act continuous process model to build sustainability into addiction integration programs.

1:00 – 2:00 PM ET Every other Thursday until February 5, 2026 (with a two-week holiday break)
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET optional office hours

Community Resource Sharing Meeting
2026-02-06 11:00 - 16:00 | University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 2280 N McDaniel St., North Las Vegas, NV, 89030, United States
Join us for the L.I.M.A. Community Resource Sharing Meeting, an opportunity for community members, service providers, and organizations to connect, collaborate, and share resources. Each attendee will have 90 seconds to introduce their resources and services, fostering a network of support for individuals in need.
This event is co-hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Hope for Family Resilience Program and is open to all who want to make a difference in their community.
About L.I.M.A.
Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health & Addiction (L.I.M.A.) provides a voluntary pathway to recovery and support for individuals facing substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness. By working together, we can bridge the gap between law enforcement, service providers, and the community.
Important Notes
Parking is limited – Please carpool if possible.
Scan the QR code (below) or click here for more details.
For More Information:
Angel Lash – (702) 671-3866; lasha@clarkcountycourts.us
Hope Team – HopeTeam@unr.edu

Faith-Based Responses to Substance Use Disorders
2026-02-09 15:30 - 16:45 | Zoom Meeting
This webinar will discuss how faith communities are uniquely positioned to support individuals and families affected by opioid use and other substance use disorders. This session will explore the spiritual dimensions of addiction and healing, highlight successful faith-based programs, and offer practical strategies for building recovery-ready congregations.
Learning Objectives:

Educate participants on the intersection of faith, addiction, and recovery, including the spiritual dimensions of healing.
Discuss faith-based approaches and programs that have successfully supported prevention, recovery, and reintegration.
Equip attendees with practical tools to reduce social labeling and create recovery-ready congregations.
Inspire faith leaders and community members to initiate or strengthen recovery-ready ministries and partnerships with local health and service organizations.

Intended Audience: Clergy, local leaders, healthcare and behavioral health providers, educators, community organizations, and community members.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website.
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here. This course is also approved by the Nevada Certification Board for the following professional certifications:

Certified Community Health Workers (CHW)
Peer Recovery and Support Specialist Certification and PRSS Supervisors (PRSS(-S))

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.

Listening Session: Help the Helper: Healing the System from Within Compassion Fatigue, Postvention, and Sustainable Provider Wellness
2026-02-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
This Listening Session addresses the emotional, cognitive, and professional impact of opioid-related crises on those working in prevention, treatment, and recovery, including clinicians, peers, first responders, and systems leaders. Drawing from suicide postvention frameworks and lived experience, the session explores the invisible injuries of care work, such as compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and moral distress. Attendees will hear from colleagues who have navigated the grief and ethical ambiguity that follow overdose loss or suicide, while also gaining insight into sustainable work-life integration practices and emotional recovery strategies.
Learning Objectives:

Identify signs of compassion fatigue, moral injury, and cumulative stress among behavioral health providers and peer supporters, with special focus on post-crisis environments (SAMHSA, 2020).
Apply evidence-informed postvention strategies following client overdose death or suicide, including emotional processing, role-based protocols, and peer support (Suicide Prevention Resource Center, 2023).
Explore individual and organizational practices that support sustainable work-life balance, emotional recovery, and retention of frontline professionals.

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:
Altamit Lewis, MS, LCPC
Altamit Lewis is a licensed clinical professional counselor and subject matter expert in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and workforce wellness. With over 15 years of experience spanning crisis intervention, EAP services, and behavioral health program management, she brings a grounded, systems-informed perspective to the challenges faced by first responders, healthcare workers, and helping professionals. Altamit has led initiatives for state Medicaid programs, military family systems, and large healthcare organizations, emphasizing cultural responsiveness, emotional resilience, and sustainable care models.
She currently serves as CEO of Source Energy Consultant Services and as a field-based consultant providing short-term therapy and critical incident support to USPS employees. Her work combines clinical insights with policy-level strategies. A passionate educator and facilitator, Altamit is a published author and has led numerous workshops on mental health topics, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and more. Altamit holds a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is licensed in both Nevada and Maryland.
Jennifer Coston, PRSS / CHW
Jen Coston is a dedicated Peer Recovery Support Specialist and mental health advocate with nearly 5 years in sustained recovery. After battling addiction and untreated mental health issues for many years, Jen has rebuilt her life through perseverance, support, and a commitment to healing. Her lived experience is what now fuels her passion for helping others navigate their own journeys toward wellness. For the past four years, Jen has worked with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), serving on the Nevada Warmline and providing compassionate, non judgmental support to individuals facing mental health challenges, emotional distress, isolation and everyday life. In this role, she uses her expertise in peer support, active listening, crisis prevention, and empowerment-based approaches to meet people where they are. Jen’s work is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and the belief that recovery is not only possible but transformative. Her personal journey has given her the ability to connect with others, offer hope, and model resilience. Today, she continues to advocate for accessible mental health resources, stigma reduction, and the vital importance of peer-led support. Jen is honored to share her story, insights and provide any feedback in the efforts to help others in need of support.
Trudy Gilbert-Eliot, PhD, LMFT, LCADC
Trudy Gilbert-Eliot, PhD, LMFT, LCADC located in Las Vegas, Nevada, specializes in working with First Responders: police, fire, EMS, physicians, and other hospital personnel. She has responded to many critical incidents to debrief workers such as armed robberies, mass shootings, plane crash, and officer involved shootings. She has extensively trained in Trauma including CBT, PE, EMDR, CPT, EFT, and DBT. She provides workshops on various trauma-related topics including Secondary Trauma, Trauma-informed Treatment, ASAM, Co-occurring Disorders, and Self-Care for Clinicians. She is the author of two books: Healing Secondary Trauma and Trauma Recovery Journal.
Continuing Education Units: 2 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here. This training is also approved by the Nevada Certification board for the following certifications

Certified Community Health Workers (CHW)
Peer Recovery and Support Specialist Certification and PRSS Supervisors (PRSS(-S)
Birth Doula

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.

Emerging Drug Trends in the Pacific Southwest Part 1: The Substance Use Landscape and Why We Care About Emerging Trends
2026-02-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom Webinar
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) reminds us that effective prevention begins with awareness. Understanding our communities and their changing trends is essential for implementing responsive, evidence-based services. This webinar is the first of a four-part series on emerging drug trends in the Pacific Southwest region. It will overview the importance of understanding emerging trends and the opportunities that exist to address them through the lens of the SPF. The webinar will also review risk and protective factors that influence the emergence of new trends. Finally, it will provide a high-level summary of the current and emerging substance use trends in the Pacific Southwest region which will be explored in greater detail in the rest of this series.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

Explain the importance of understanding emerging trends.
Identify opportunities to address emerging trends through strategic planning.
Identify risk and protective factors that influence the emergence of new trends.
Describe the current overview of substance use in the Pacific Southwest.

Who Should Participate
Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in the Pacific Southwest region, including American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.
Presenters
Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional PTTCs, the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, and the Central East ATTC and MHTTC.
Olivia Stuart, LMSW is an Associate with Carnevale Associates, LLC. She has provided training and technical assistance (T/TA) through four of SAMHSA’s ten regional PTTCs and the Central East ATTC. In her role, Ms. Stuart has developed dozens of T/TA products including webinars, intensive training events, conference presentations, reports, and fact sheets on a variety of topics across the fields of substance use prevention and behavioral health.
Dates & Times
States & American Samoa
February 12, 2026
04:00 p.m. – 05:30 p.m. Arizona
03:00 p.m. – 04:30 p.m. Pacific
01:00 p.m. – 02:30 p.m. Hawaii
12:00 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. American Samoa
Pacific Jurisdictions
February 13, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Republic of the Marshall Islands
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pohnpei and Kosrae
09:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Yap
08:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. Republic of Palau
(view in your time zone)
Cost: Free!

Certificates of Attendance
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for participating in each live webinar session.
Questions?
Please contact Tyler Dean (tdean@casat.org) for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Audeaneh Saberi (asaberi@casat.org).

The Mae Orvis Healthcare Symposium
2026-02-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Rising to the Horizon: Nurses Leading the Future of Care
Discover the future of nursing through thought-provoking sessions on space medicine, global health, integrated mental health care, forensic and trauma-informed nursing, and leadership in evolving healthcare environments. The day will conclude with an inspiring plenary session designed to synthesize insights and chart a bold path forward for nursing practice.
Sessions Include:
Session 1: Space Medicine and Healthcare in Extreme Environments
Session 2: Global Health and Humanitarian Healthcare
Session 3: Integrated Mental Health Care: Suicide Prevention
Session 4: Forensic and Trauma-Informed Nursing
Session 5: Plenary Keynote Session | Rising to the Horizon: Nurses Leading the Future of Care

Empowering Rural Communities: Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
2026-02-23 15:30 - 16:45 | Zoom Meeting
Rural communities face unique challenges in addressing substance use disorders, from limited access to care and transportation barriers to social labeling and workforce shortages. This webinar will explore innovative, community-driven strategies that are helping rural areas expand treatment access and build recovery-ready environments. Attendees will gain insights into successful models such as mobile clinics, telehealth, peer support networks, and faith-based partnerships, along with practical tools and resources to take action locally.
Learning Objectives:

Discuss key barriers to SUD treatment in rural communities, including stigma, transportation, and provider shortages.
Highlight innovative rural programs and models that improve access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Share practical tools and resources for building local capacity and partnerships.
Inspire attendees to take action and advocate for sustainable, community-based solutions.

Intended Audience: Healthcare and behavioral health providers, community leaders or advocates, community health organizations, and community members.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here. This course is also approved by the Nevada Certification Board for the following professional certifications:

Peer Recovery and Support Specialist Certification and PRSS Supervisors (PRSS(-S))

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.

Advocating for Change: How to Influence Opioid Policy in Your Community
2026-03-16 15:30 - 16:45 | Zoom Meeting
Local policies play a critical role in shaping how communities respond to the opioid crisis. This webinar will focus on the policy-making process and empower attendees with practical strategies to influence opioid-related decisions in their own communities. From expanding access to treatment and prevention services to securing funding and changing local laws, participants will learn how to engage decision-makers, build coalitions, and drive meaningful change.
Learning Objectives:

Identify effective advocacy strategies for influencing opioid-related legislation, funding, and programs.
Share real-world examples of successful community-led policy change.
Equip attendees with tools to engage decision-makers, build coalitions, and mobilize public support.

Intended Audience: Healthcare and behavioral health providers, community leaders or advocates, community health organizations, and community members.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.

Youth & Substance Use: Prevention Strategies for Families and Schools
2026-03-30 15:30 - 16:45 | Zoom Meeting
Preventing substance use among youth starts at home and in the classroom. This webinar will explore practical, evidence-based strategies that families and schools can use to reduce risk and build resilience in children and adolescents. Participants will learn how to recognize early warning signs, foster open communication, implement school-based prevention programs, and create strong partnerships between educators and caregivers.
Learning Objectives:

Educate participants on risk factors and early warning signs of substance use in youth.
Share prevention strategies that families and schools can implement collaboratively.
Highlight successful school-based and family-centered programs that promote healthy choices.
Provide tools and resources to strengthen communication, build protective factors, and engage community support.

Intended Audience: Parents, teachers, counselors, community leaders or advocates, community health organizations, and community members.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.

The Role of Rural Community Partners in Addressing the Opioid Crisis
2026-04-13 15:30 - 16:45 | Zoom Meeting
This webinar explores how grassroots organizations, local leaders, and service providers in rural areas can work together to combat the devastating impact of opioid addiction. Participants will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by rural communities, discover innovative strategies and success stories from the field, and learn how to build effective partnerships that support prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Learning Objectives:

Educate participants about the unique challenges and disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis in rural communities.
Showcase the vital contributions of rural partners—such as nonprofits, faith-based groups,
schools, and local leaders—in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
Present real-world examples and proven strategies that rural communities have successfully
implemented to combat opioid misuse.
Provide attendees with practical tools, funding resources, and collaborative models to strengthen local responses and build sustainable solutions.

Intended Audience: healthcare and behavioral health professionals, policymakers, community advocates, community health organizations, and community members
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom meeting format. Participants will have access to camera and audio, though neither is required. For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Videoconferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Humberto Carvalho, MPH
Humberto Carvalho is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience leading domestic and international initiatives funded by the U.S. government. He holds a Master of Public Health Leadership with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of over 12 years at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Humberto played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and advancing key initiatives to promote mental health and substance use treatment and prevention.
Continuing Education Units: 1.25 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.
