The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)

Community of Practice: Integrating Addiction Treatment Services Into Primary Care
2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Tools for Change: Screening, Preventing, and Intervention of Substance Use Disorders
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | EPL
This 7-week online series is designed to equip behavioral health providers, community health workers, and those working in the criminal justice system with foundational knowledge, tools, and practical strategies for addressing substance use, misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs), focused on Opioid and Stimulant Use throughout. This series is also focused on overdose prevention by helping providers understand how they can help to reduce risk related to substance use with different approaches to care. Through evidence-based content and interactive discussions and activities, participants will deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between substance use, mental health, trauma, and stigma, while building skills in screening, prevention, and intervention. This training series will focus on Opioid and Stimulant Use throughout. Participants will meet for 1.5 hours over zoom for the 7 weeks of the series.
WHEN: Every Tuesday, January 20 – March 3, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:30 PM PST
OBJECTIVES:

Explain how SPI supports early identification and reduces harm in a public health context.
Integrate knowledge of opioid and stimulant use on the brain and how this may impact service delivery for those using those substances
Apply trauma-informed approaches to SUD care.
Identify stigma and provider bias and understand potential impact for those using substances.
Conduct screenings and brief interventions confidently.
Identify prevention strategies suitable to the services delivery setting.
Integrate evidence-based practices into client care.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Recovery Service providers located in Nevada.

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Access to appropriate technology to utilize Zoom videoconferencing platform (internet connection, webcam, laptop/tablet, speakers and microphone).
Attend a one-hour online Orientation on January 20th.
Commit to 8-weeks of online training for 1.5 hours weekly from January 27 – March 3, 2026
Complete weekly self-study learning activities

TRAINER(S)/FACILITATOR(S):

Christina Boyd, LSCSW, LCAC

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE: The first 35 registrants will receive a waiver that covers the entire $350 cost of participation. Once the 35 spots have been filled, registration will be closed. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full requirements, please defer this opportunity to others.
PLEASE NOTE: Registrants enrolled in this series are required to attend the orientation and Week 1 sessions. If you cannot attend these sessions, you will forfeit your attendance. In addition, it is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology by Week 1 to fully participate and be on camera at least 90% of the time. This is not a webinar series and active participation to gain/improve skills are required.
Continuing Education: The course is approved for 16 CEUs by the following professional associations in Nevada:

Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, & Gambling Counselors
Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors
State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Integration: Workforce Shortages, Retention, and Resilience
2026-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Webinar
This webinar introduces practices that health centers can implement now to address acute staffing challenges within integrated care settings. We’ll briefly review current staffing challenges, and dive into strategies to support staff training, retention, and resilience. You’ll leave with quality improvement ideas to bolster your workforce development efforts.
Presented by Kerry King, PsyD, MBA, Founder, The King Institute
Earn 1.0 Behavioral Health continuing education credit (CEU) for attending this webinar.

Community of Practice: Expanding Behavioral Health Services Integration in Health Centers
2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
Description:
This eight-session Community of Practice (CoP) will show HRSA-supported health centers how to implement and sustain effective behavioral health service expansion in their care settings. This CoP will cover topics including evidence-based integrated care models; levels of primary care and behavioral health integration; and how to establish an effective, team-based integrated care environment and apply a systems-level approach to implement and sustain effective, comprehensive integrated care. Leveraging expert-led presentations and facilitated peer discussions, health center teams will learn about and exchange effective strategies to achieve enhanced levels of successful behavioral health integration/service expansion in their settings.
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:

Articulate the difference between common integrated care models.
Describe the five foundational aspects of effective behavioral health integration.
Determine key operations that identify behavioral health integration and behavioral health service expansion at different levels of integrated care.
Identify strategies to influence language and communication to build a more robust integrated care environment.
Apply a systems approach to build a more effective and sustainable integrated care model within their health center.

Trends, Analysis & Threats Webinar Series
2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual Event
A bi-monthly webinar series delivering briefings on current and emerging drug trends from experts with leading forensic and toxicology labs.
Open to any interested professionals throughout the country working in public safety, public health, or other disciplines to prevent overdoses.
Click here to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/h6NVyph/orstat
To submit questions or topics of interest, contact ors-tat@nhac.org.
To learn more about the ORS program, visit www.orsprogam.org.
Download PDF Flyer: TRENDS ANALYSIS and THREATS WEBINARS

Nevada OD2A Data Office Hours
2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
Join Nevada’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program for a monthly office hour focused on overdose and substance use data. This session is an open space to discuss Nevada’s surveillance reports, ask questions, and explore trends in nonfatal overdoses and related data sources.
Hosted by:
Taylor Lensch, PhD, MPHData Analytics Manager, Larson InstituteSchool of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
Zoom Link:
https://unr.zoom.us/j/87682436259?pwd=[REDACTED]
View the latest reports:
The Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Program

Empowered Pathways: Addressing Opioid Use Across the Lifespan in Nevada — Session 4: Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems
2025-12-17 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.
Series Schedule (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
December 3, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
December 10, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
December 17, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend.
Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG
Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.
Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Session 4 – December 17, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Strengthen community-based recovery networks that support long-term, intergenerational healing.
Develop strategies for cross-sector collaboration to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes in Nevada.
Assess emerging technologies that can enhance opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Supporting Behavioral Health Providers: Creating Postvention Strategies for Healing After Losing a Client to Suicide
2025-12-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | UNR North Las Vegas Extension – North Las Vegas Learning Center, 2280 N McDaniel St - Classroom A, North Las Vegas, NV, 89030, United States
A film and discussion exploring the emotional impact of suicide and overdose loss and the path to healing for providers.

This special event combines a film screening with guided discussion to explore the shared emotional, professional, and systemic impacts of losing a client to suicide or opioid overdose. Adapted from materials developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), the session provides behavioral health providers and administrators with practical postvention strategies to support healing, resilience, and professional recovery following client loss.
Through brief video segments and facilitated dialogue, participants will examine the parallels between suicide loss and overdose loss, discuss evidence-informed postvention strategies, and share experiences from the field. The event will also highlight clinical and community resources available through the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE) and SPRC to help providers and organizations respond with compassion, structure, and self-awareness in the aftermath of loss.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation behavioral health providers and administrators will:

Gain a greater understanding in how to implement actionable emotional, professional and organizational postvention strategies (knowledge).
Understand what evidenced-based postvention strategies may help them increase their recovery after a client suicide loss and opioid overdose (knowledge).
Feel more prepared to process a client suicide loss and parallel experiences with opioid overdose (attitudes/beliefs).
Feel better able to make evidenced-based decisions on postvention strategies after a client suicide loss and opioid overdose (attitude/beliefs).
Apply their knowledge as part of their postvention strategies and incorporate it into their prevention efforts (behaviors).

Presented by: Bianca D. McCall, LMFT
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.
Continuing Education Units: 2 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.

Substance Use and Treatment Approaches
2025-12-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care — Virtual Follow-Up Series
Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).
Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development
October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year
November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives
December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches
January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.
Session 4: December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches
This session provides an overview of common substances impacting pregnant and parenting people, along with evidence-based treatment approaches. Special attention will be given to drug testing, including common myths, ethical concerns, and best practices for ensuring respectful, effective care.
Learning Objectives:

Summarize the effects of commonly used substances during pregnancy and postpartum.
Identify evidence-based treatment approaches for pregnant and parenting people.
Analyze ethical considerations and best practices related to drug testing in perinatal care settings.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM
Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.
Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*
Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas
Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas
Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)
Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas
Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

Empowered Pathways: Addressing Opioid Use Across the Lifespan in Nevada — Session 3: Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
2025-12-10 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.
Series Schedule (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
December 3, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
December 10, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
December 17, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend.
Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG
Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.
Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Session 3 – December 10 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Understand legal frameworks affecting families impacted by opioid use, including child welfare, family court, and reentry systems.
Explore equity-centered diversion programs and community-based alternatives to incarceration.
Recognize how advocacy and policy can shape more equitable outcomes for families in crisis.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Substance Use Screening, Prevention, and Intervention (SPI): Foundational Training for Adolescent Service Providers
2025-12-10 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This 90-minute virtual webinar introduces adolescent service providers to essential concepts and practical tools for addressing unhealthy alcohol, opioid, and drug use among youth. Designed for professionals in school-based health centers and youth-serving organizations, the session blends foundational knowledge with real-world applications. Participants will explore the spectrum of substance use in adolescents, age-appropriate screening tools, and evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. The webinar also addresses stigma, developmental considerations, and opportunities to support youth through early identification and responsive care.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Define and distinguish between types of unhealthy alcohol and drug use in adolescents (e.g. risky use, substance use disorder)
Describe the prevalence and consequences of substance use among youth in their specific service setting
Recognize the impact of stigma on adolescents and identify strategies to reduce stigma in youth-centered environments
Summarize a range of prevention and intervention approaches tailored to adolescent populations, including motivational strategies and referral pathways

Presented by: Jennifer Hettema, PhD is a clinical psychologist and has conducted research on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of brief behavioral health interventions in medical and other settings with an emphasis on promoting health equity. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and much of her research integrated this approach. Dr. Hettema develops curriculum and teaches medical students, residents, faculty, and other health professions.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEU
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.

Introduction to Screening, Prevention, and Intervention for Alcohol and Drug Use: Foundational Knowledge for Criminal Justice Professionals
2025-12-09 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This 90-minute virtual webinar introduces criminal justice professionals to essential concepts and practical tools for addressing unhealthy alcohol, opioid, and drug use among justice-involved individuals. Designed for staff working in corrections, probation, parole, reentry, and related settings, the session blends foundational knowledge with real-world applications. Participants will explore the spectrum of substance use, setting-specific screening tools, and evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. The webinar also addresses stigma, systemic barriers, and opportunities to improve outcomes through early identification and supportive engagement.
Learning Objectives

Define and distinguish between types of unhealthy alcohol and drug use (e.g., risky use, substance use disorder)
Describe the prevalence and consequences of substance use within criminal justice settings
Recognize the impact of substance use stigma and identify strategies to reduce stigma in correctional and community supervision environments
Summarize a range of prevention and intervention approaches, including behavioral strategies and referral pathways

Presented by: Jennifer Hettema, PhD is a clinical psychologist and has conducted research on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of brief behavioral health interventions in medical and other settings with an emphasis on promoting health equity. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and much of her research integrated this approach. Dr. Hettema develops curriculum and teaches medical students, residents, faculty, and other health professions.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEU
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.

Identifying, Addressing, and Treating The Dual Epidemics of Hepatitis C Virus and Opioid Use Disorder
2025-12-08 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
Substance use disorders are common in the United States, with 2024 data indicating that more than 1 in 4 (25.5%) of persons 12 years of age or older used an illicit drug in the past year. The availability of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has radically changed the assessment and
consideration of substance use, and more specifically opioid use, in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment decisions. This 90-minute webinar will provide an overview of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), including a focus on defining key epidemiological aspects, contrasting recent treatment advancements, and evaluating the integration of HCV testing and treatment into medications for addiction treatment (MAT)/medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs and opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Attendees will learn practical strategies to improve HCV management and enhance patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:

Identify at least three (3) key aspects of the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV), including its transmission, prevalence, and at-risk populations.
Explain at least two (2) recent advances in hepatitis C treatment, highlighting the differences and advantages of each treatment approach.
Describe at least two (2) benefits of integrating hepatitis C testing and treatment into MAT and OTP care settings.

Presented by: Beth A. Rutkowski, MPH
Beth Rutkowski received her Master of Public Health degree, with an emphasis on epidemiology and quantitative methods, from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Public Health. She has been associated with UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) since December 2000, and currently serves as the Director of Training and Co-Director of the SAMHSA-supported Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Training Center. The majority of Ms. Rutkowski’s time is focused on the development of synchronous and asynchronous training and intensive technical assistance curricula and training packages focused on evidence-based substance use disorder research and targeted to the community at large. In addition, she organizes and conducts conferences and trainings throughout the Pacific Southwest region (HHS Region 9, covering AZ, CA, HI, NV, and the six U.S. Affiliated Pacific Jurisdictions) on scientifically validated interventions and topics. Ms. Rutkowski is a NIATx-certified process improvement coach, and has directed several statewide, regional, and local process improvement change project initiatives. Ms. Rutkowski has co-authored and edited numerous peer reviewed research articles, book chapters, special issues, and technical reports on treatment evaluation, research-practice partnerships, process improvement strategies for use in substance use disorder and mental health treatment programs, prescription drug misuse, the epidemiology of methamphetamine and crack cocaine use, synthetic drugs, process improvement strategies to improve client engagement and retention in treatment, SBIRT, HIV and substance use, medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders, best practices in substance use disorder treatment, and local, national, and international drug trends.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEU
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.

StreetReach Street Health Summit: From Insight to Action
2025-12-05 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Wells Fargo Auditorium, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89557, United States
Join us for the inaugural StreetReach Street Health Summit, a full-day event dedicated to advancing the health of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Northern Nevada and beyond. This summit brings together national experts and local leaders to share practical strategies, spark collaboration, and chart actionable next steps for improving street-based care.
The morning session, Insight, features presentations from national thought leaders on topics including wound care, prenatal health, and models of care delivery for people experiencing homelessness, including older adults. In the afternoon, Action, participants will engage in a rapid-fire showcase of local innovations and take part in a dynamic interactive panel using live audience polling to identify regional priorities and solutions.
Additional information

Attendance type: In person
Cost: Free, must register in advance
Event type: Conferences & Symposiums

Empowered Pathways: Addressing Opioid Use Across the Lifespan in Nevada — Session 2: Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.
Series Schedule (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
December 3, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
December 10, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
December 17, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend.
Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG
Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.
Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Session 2 – December 3, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Identify evidence-based medication-assisted treatment approaches for pregnant individuals.
Apply trauma-informed strategies that support multi-generational healing within families.
Integrate culturally responsive practices to improve care in Nevada’s diverse communities.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Introduction to Screening, Prevention, and Intervention for Alcohol and Drug Use: Foundational Knowledge for Community Health Workers
2025-12-03 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This 90-minute virtual webinar introduces participants to core concepts and practical tools for addressing unhealthy alcohol and drug use in their service settings. Designed for Community Health Workers and other professionals in primary care and other health and mental health settings, the session will blend foundational knowledge with real-world applications. Participants will explore the spectrum of substance use, setting specific screening tools, and evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. The webinar also addresses stigma, systemic gaps, and opportunities for improving care.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Define and distinguish between types of unhealthy alcohol and drug use (e.g., risky use, substance use disorder)
Describe prevalence and consequences of substance use in their specific service setting
Recognize the impact of substance use stigma and describe strategies for reducing stigma in clinical and community settings
Summarize a variety of prevention and intervention techniques and resources

Presented by: Jennifer Hettema, PhD
Jennifer Hettema, PhD is a clinical psychologist and has conducted research on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of brief behavioral health interventions in medical and other settings with an emphasis on promoting health equity. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and much of her research integrated this approach. Dr. Hettema develops curriculum and teaches medical students, residents, faculty, and other health professions.
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.

Nevada's Celebration of National Rural Health Day 2025
2025-11-20 02:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 4001 South Virginia Street, 4001 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89502, United States
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) State Office of Rural Health, Nevada Rural Hospital Partners (NRHP), and the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV invite you to join the 2025 National Rural Health Day Event!
What is National Rural Health Day?
National Rural Health Day (NRHD) celebrates the dedication of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health, and other stakeholders in tackling the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities.
2025 Vendors

Access to Healthcare Network
American Heart Association
BeHERENV
CASAT – Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)
Foster Kinship
Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division
Nevada Association of Counties
Nevada Department of Veteran Services
Nevada Rural Hospital Partners
Orvis School of Nursing | University of Nevada, Reno
Quest Counseling & Consulting
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Silver Summit Health Plan
University of Nevada, Reno Office of Statewide Initiatives
University of Nevada, Reno Savitt Medical Library
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine – Physician Assistant Studies Program

Project Echo Pain Management
2025-11-19 08:00, 2025-11-05 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
First and Third Wednesdays of each month | 8–9 am

This Project ECHO series is a forum led by pain management physician, Denis Patterson, DO, pain psychologist, Michael Lewandowski, PhD, and mental health and addiction specialist, Paul Snyder, MA, LADCS, CPCI. The sessions offer an opportunity to present and discuss patients with pain. Learn how to assess and manage your patients with pain through a variety of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities, as well as learn best practice approaches to minimizing the risk of addiction.
Submit a case review: https://redcap.unr.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=RE4NYNCJHN
Additional information

Attendance type: Virtual – No in-person attendance is required.
Cost: Free, must register in advance
Event type: Lectures & Seminars, Professional Development

Learn m0re: https://med.unr.edu/echo/programs/pain-management

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care — Virtual Follow-Up Series — Session 3
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).
Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development
October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year
November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives
December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches
January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.
Session 3: November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives
This session examines the role of child welfare in the lives of families affected by substance use and highlights opportunities to shift from surveillance and separation to supportive and healing practices. Participants will learn how to operationalize Plans of Safe Care and explore community-based alternatives that prioritize family preservation and wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:

Explain the intent and implementation of Plans of Safe Care.
Compare traditional surveillance-based approaches with family-centered alternatives.
Identify practical strategies for advancing child welfare practices that reduce trauma and support family integrity.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM
Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.
Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*
Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas
Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas
Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)
Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas
Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

Rural Nevada Community Health Fair
2025-11-08 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fish Lake Community Center, Hwy 264 and Bluebird Lane, Dyer, NV, 89010
Join us for a community health fair to help build community resilience by connecting people with local assistance and raising awareness about the value of preventive health.

Participating vendors:

Managed Care Health Plans
Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Company Xceleration
Overdose education & Naloxone information
Nye Community Coalition
NAMI
AND MORE!

Download Event Flyer: Rural Health Fair Flyer (8.5 x 11 in)

Empowered Pathways: Addressing Opioid Use Across the Lifespan in Nevada — Session 1: Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
2025-11-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.
Series Schedule (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
November 19, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms
December 3, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis
December 10, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend.
Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG
Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.
Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
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Session 1 – November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Examine Nevada-specific opioid use trends across the lifespan, from prenatal exposure to older adulthood.
Recognize maternal health as a critical indicator of broader systemic issues related to substance use.
Learn from personal testimonies of individuals in recovery across diverse age groups.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

From Plant to Patient: Clinical Approaches to Kratom Consumption and Addiction
2025-10-30 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
Kratom is a complex botanical with both opioid-like and stimulant properties, increasingly used in the U.S. for self-management of pain, as an opioid substitute, and for various mental health symptoms. While traditionally consumed for centuries in its natural form in its indigenous regions, commercially available kratom products in the U.S. are often variable in composition and potency, posing a greater risk of toxicity. Additionally, kratom use can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and in some cases, meet DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder.
With kratom use and harms being more common among individuals with substance use disorders, addiction psychiatrists must be equipped to assess and manage patients who consume kratom—whether for perceived therapeutic benefits or as part of an addictive pattern.
This workshop will provide an in-depth overview of kratom’s pharmacology, patterns of use, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Attendees will gain insight into how kratom differs from traditional opioids, its potential for addiction, and the complexities of withdrawal management. Practical strategies for patient engagement, harm reduction, and evidence-based treatment approaches will be discussed, with a focus on real-world clinical scenarios.
By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to navigate kratom-related clinical challenges, including how to approach patients who consume kratom, recognize problematic use and addiction, and determine appropriate treatment interventions.
Learning Objectives:

Understand kratom’s literature, covering its uses, risks (overdose, addiction), and product toxicities.
Evaluate kratom’s role in harm reduction, distinguishing between evidence-based practices and misconceptions.
Implement evidence-based treatments for kratom addiction, facilitating informed discussions and effective interventions with patients.

Presented by: Cornel N. Stanciu, M.D., C.P.E., M.R.O., F.A.S.A.M., F.A.P.A.
Dr. Stanciu holds the position of Assistant Professor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and serves as the Director of Addiction Services at New Hampshire Hospital.
His accolades include being a former Ruth Fox scholar and Governors Institute on Substance Abuse scholar. He was appointed by New Hampshire’s governor to the Board of Medicine, Medical Review Subcommittee, and by the DHHS’s commissioner to the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board. Additionally, he holds esteemed credentials as an ASAM and APA Fellow.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Stanciu has been actively engaged in academia, with a significant publication record on topics related to addictive disorders. He has led multiple studies focused on understanding the clinical implications of Kratom and has contributed to the development of treatment guidelines for Kratom addiction. His research findings have been disseminated through presentations at numerous conferences, live webinars, and citations in scholarly literature. He serves on the editorial boards of several reputable journals and has received numerous awards for excellence in research and clinical care.
Dr. Stanciu maintains active involvement in professional organizations such as the APA, ASAM, and AAAP, where he presently serves as the Chief Editor for AAAP’s newsletter.
Furthermore, his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field is evident through his publication of the book titled “Deciphering the Addicted Brain: A Guide to understanding and Helping a Loved One Towards Recovery”.
Continuing Education Units: 1 CEU
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.

Preventing Opioid Misuse and Opioid Overdose: Moving Upstream
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
The “all hands on deck” call to address the opioid crisis has challenged our efforts to implement primary prevention that complements other efforts to address the crisis across the spectrum of behavioral health care services. This interactive webinar will explore ways to expand prevention to move our work more upstream–beyond preventing deaths from opioid overdoses to preventing the misuse that leads to those overdoses. This webinar will include an overview of national and Nevada data; the risk and protective factors associated with opioid misuse and overdose; and a range of promising and evidence-based strategies to consider as part of creating a comprehensive plan to move the work of prevention upstream. The webinar will also explore community mobilization strategies and ways to build additional partnerships.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Describe what is known in the research about risk and protective factors
associated with opioid misuse.
List a variety of interventions that prevent opioid misuse and overdoses.
List strategies that have strong evidence of effectiveness and those that have
emerging or promising evidence.

Presented by: Alyssa O’Hair MPH, MA, CPS; Michelle Frye-Spray MS, CPS; Britany Wiele CPS
Audience:
Anyone in Nevada interested in learning more about primary prevention of opioid misuse!
Continuing Education Hours: 1.5 hours
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.

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care — Virtual Follow-Up Series — Session 2
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).
Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development
October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year
November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives
December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches
January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.
Session 2: October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year
The first year after birth is a critical period for parents in recovery. This session highlights challenges and solutions for linking families to ongoing care, maintaining continuity across systems, and building family-centered support networks that strengthen parental recovery and infant wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:

Describe common challenges parents face in accessing postpartum and pediatric care.
Explore strategies for strengthening continuity of care across medical, behavioral health, and social service systems.
Apply family-centered approaches to support parental health and infant development.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM
Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.
Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*
Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas
Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas
Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)
Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas
Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

Hope in Action: Building Skills for a Resilient Tomorrow
2025-10-16 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 1862 David Walley’s, 2001 Foothill Road, Valley View Room (2nd floor), Genoa, NV, 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV, United States
The Suicide Prevention Network invites you to Hope in Action: Building Skills for a Resilient Tomorrow, a 4-hour training event designed to strengthen those who strengthen others by protecting boundaries, restoring hope, building resilience, and fostering community. This training will cover key topics including Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and current trends, case management and referral practices, professional boundaries, and suicide prevention and intervention.
Who Should Attend?
Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Behavioral Health Specials, and all professionals in community health work.
Continuing Education Units: 4 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
Click to Register
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Part 1 – Nevada Overdose Landscape: Douglas County Spotlight

Presented by: Taylor Lensch, Ph.D., MPH, Associate Director, Larson Institute, University of Nevada, Reno
This 30-minute pre-recorded presentation, developed in collaboration with OD2A, provides an overview of the most current opioid use disorder (OUD) data and trends. The presentation focuses on the Quad Counties region to give participants the most relevant and localized information available. Attendees will gain insight into emerging patterns, recent data findings, and key considerations for prevention and response efforts in Nevada.
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Part 2 – Navigating Opioid Use Disorder in Clinical Practice: Case Management, Referrals, and Professional Boundaries

Presented by: Jennifer Calloway Ross, Ph.D., Director, Community Behavioral Health Collaborative, University of Nevada, Reno
This 90-minute presentation provides essential knowledge and practical skills for working with clients experiencing opioid use disorder. Participants will learn evidence-based case management strategies, understand Nevada’s specific legal requirements for OUD referrals, and explore critical professional boundary considerations when treating clients with substance use disorders. Through interactive case studies and regulatory review, attendees will gain confidence in providing ethical, legally compliant, and clinically effective services within their scope of practice.
Learning Objectives:
By the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Develop competence in assessing for opioid use disorder in the context of DSM-5-TR criteria and determining appropriate care strategies
Demonstrate understanding of Nevada’s referral requirements for opioid use disorder as specified in Assembly Bill 156
Execute appropriate and timely referrals for medication-assisted treatment and specialized addiction services in accordance with Nevada law
Identify and maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working with clients experiencing substance use disorders

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Part 3 – Suicide Prevention

Presented by: Misty Vaughan Allen, MA, Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention
This training equips mental health professionals with essential tools and strategies to effectively assess suicide risk, implement safety planning, and respond to crises with cultural sensitivity. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches to suicide intervention, learn how to develop personalized safety plans, and deepen their understanding of cultural factors that influence suicide risk and prevention. Through interactive discussions and exploration of available tools, this session fosters confidence and competence in supporting a person with thoughts of suicide, while honoring diverse backgrounds.
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Learn about suicide risk assessments using validated tools and clinical judgment to identify signs, risk factors, and protective factors.
Develop and implement safety plans tailored to individual needs, incorporating protective factors and support systems.
Apply crisis response strategies that prioritize client safety, de-escalation, and continuity of care.
Learn about culturally respectful and competent approaches to be more effective in recognizing how cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors impact suicide risk and intervention.

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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.
