The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)

Building the Bridge: Effective School Prevention Partnerships
2026-08-11 10:00 - 2026-08-18 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar
This interactive, two-part webinar series is specifically designed for human services and behavioral health professionals. This opportunity is geared toward those looking to establish, strengthen, and sustain impactful substance use prevention partnerships within school environments. Focused on addressing the complexities of opioid, stimulant, and poly-substance use, this series bridges the gap between primary prevention services and the local education systems. Recognizing Nevada’s unique geographic and cultural diversity, the series will provide strategies for leveraging the state’s strong regional coalition structures to enhance implementation.
Part 1: Foundation Setting
Aim: Explore prevention structures (Universal, Selective, Indicated), understand school culture and priorities, and address implementation barriers with equity considerations for population and geographic factors. By the end of Part 1, participants will be able to:

Map the Continuum of Care and its application to school settings.
Identify common barriers and opportunities when partnering with schools.
Decode school priorities and align with prevention initiatives.

Register for Part 1 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q78VzjxIQheQn2s_EmCFug
Part 2: Putting It Into Practice
Aim: Actionable planning, relationship sustainability, and low-barrier evaluation strategies to demonstrate impact. By the end of Part 2, participants will be able to:

Develop collaborative prevention plans with school partners.
Identify viable strategies for school partnership sustainability.
Explore low-barrier evaluation strategies to demonstrate impact.

Register for Part 2 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZEJRfZ7lR4KbUSWcaiuV9A
Intended Audience: Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in Nevada.
Presentation Format: This session will take place in a Zoom . For more information on the use of Zoom please visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video conferencing Software section of our website
Presented by: Gabe Teran, MS, CATC-II, CADC-II
Gabe Teran, a 20-year professional in youth and community advocacy work. He is a leading subject matter expert in the fields of substance use prevention and youth development and has provided high-quality, engaging, prevention-focused workshops at statewide and national conferences.
Gabe has provided direct services to young people for the entirety of his career—many of them hailing from historically challenged communities. He has also served in our education system, directly overseen substance use prevention initiatives, and developed youth leadership programming. His extensive experience now allows him to provide tailored educational consulting services for schools and community-serving organizations.
Gabe holds a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership, as well as two certifications for substance use disorder counseling in the state of California.
Continuing Education Units:
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for each live webinar attended, for a maximum of 3 hours if they participate in both parts. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.
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.

Native-Centered Community Overdose Training
2026-08-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
CCUIH (California Consortium for Urban Indian Health) hosts free, virtual Community Overdose Trainings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6PM PST. These Native-centered, community-based trainings cover overdose information, naloxone (Narcan) administration, and life-saving response skills. Remaining 2026 dates include August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, and December 8. All registrants receive a free naloxone kit, and attendees can connect with CCUIH to request additional naloxone supplies or schedule trainings for their community. To register, visit bit.ly/ccuih-narcan26. Questions can be directed to TMAT@CCUIH.org.

The Indian Country Adolescent Health ECHO
2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
The Indian Country Adolescent Health ECHO: Centering wellness, resilience, and culture to strengthen Indigenous adolescent health is a collaborative to learn from, and improve the health and wellness of, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents. It envisions a future where AI/AN adolescents thrive in systems designed for their wellness. Through monthly 1- hour teleECHO sessions, and the development of policy related resources, we strive to improve the capacity for healthcare workers and others who provide care to AI/AN adolescents. We also hope to center adolescent voices through this work, ensuring that the resources and educational materials developed are in line with their priorities. Through centering and prioritizing the unique needs of this group, we hope to support lasting impacts to realize the wellness of the seventh generation—our grandchildren’s Grandchildren. Participants will have the opportunity to earn CE credit following participation. The sessions will take place virtually on Zoom the second Wednesday of every month at 12pm PT, starting February 11th, 2026.
What topics will be covered?

Sexual and reproductive health
Mental health
Substance use
Disordered eating
Long COVID and infection associated chronic illness
Supporting identity development
Sexually transmitted infections
Foster care
Healthy weight management
Policy implications

Designed for
Clinical staff at IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health programs providing care for American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents, and others interested in learning a new skill are invited to join.

Healing through Culture: Restoring Balance and Wellness in Native Communities
2026-08-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom Meeting
This 2‑hour virtual training explores culture as a primary medicine in Native communities and as a key foundation for effective opioid‑related prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Using the Medicine Wheel as a practical framework, we’ll braid Indigenous ways of knowing with current neuroscience, ACEs/NEAR science, and what we now understand about nervous systems and brain health.
We’ll look at how historical and ongoing trauma have impacted wellness, help‑seeking, and engagement in SUD/OUD services—and how cultural strengths such as kinship, ceremony, story, and connection to land can guide more effective, less stigmatizing care with Native communities across Nevada.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Describe at least three ways historical and intergenerational trauma have impacted wellness, help‑seeking, and engagement in behavioral health and SUD/OUD services in Native communities in Nevada.
Identify at least three cultural strengths (e.g., kinship, language, ceremony, land connection) that support nervous system regulation, brain health, and readiness to engage in care, including opioid‑related services.
Explain how a Medicine Wheel framework can be used to organize care around emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions—while respecting tribal specificity and sovereignty.
Name at least two practical strategies for: Building therapeutic alliance with Native/tribal clients, and Reducing stigma and barriers to accessing opioid‑related and behavioral health services.

Intended Audience: Behavioral health providers, healthcare providers, peer support specialists, community health workers, and others working with tribal communities in Nevada, with particular relevance for rural and tribal partners.
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: Casandra (Cas) Stouder, ORN Consultant, Tribal Southwest (Region 9), Diné (Navajo) & Seminole
Casandra (Cas) Stouder is Diné (Navajo) and Seminole and has spent more than 24 years working alongside Indigenous communities through trauma, addiction, recovery, and systems change. She is an Indigenous wellness consultant and Trauma & Systems Transformation Facilitator, and serves as a Technical Support Specialist with the Opioid Response Network (Southwest), supporting tribal communities in designing culturally grounded substance use and opioid‑related prevention and healing initiatives.
Cas has delivered over 1,000 professional trainings and supported more than 1,900 community wellness and prevention efforts. Her work braids ACEs/NEAR science, Indigenous trauma science, Medicine Wheel‑based brain frameworks, and somatic practice with traditional knowledge. She has developed multiple Indigenous recovery and wellness programs, including Sacred Path to Recovery and Medicine Wheel Wellness, and serves as an Arizona ACEs Educational Trainer and Indigenous Community Subcommittee Chair for the Arizona ACEs Consortium.
A Native woman in long‑term recovery, Cas brings deep lived experience, ceremony, and careful, prayerful practice to her work. She is recognized as Arizona’s Preeminent Health Innovation Leader (2025) and Best Rural Women’s Health Practitioner (2025).
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)

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, and by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, or its funders. Mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Ethics, Values & Boundaries- The Foundation for Peer Service Work
2026-08-17 07:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
This full-day, interactive training helps peer workers, supervisors, and program leaders navigate the ethical questions that come with holding a professional role and a lived experience at the same time. Participants build a shared language for values, morals, ethics, and boundaries, then apply a four-step decision-making process to eight real scenarios from the field. Offers 6 NAADAC CE credits.
What You’ll Learn

Distinguish values, morals, ethics, and laws, and how each shapes peer practice
Identify your own core values and where they align or conflict with your organization
Apply confidentiality regulations, including 42 CFR Part 2
Recognize rigid, porous, and healthy boundaries, and the warning signs of boundary drift
Work through role clarity, dual relationships, and emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation
Apply a four-step ethical decision-making process to real situations

What You’ll Take Away
Two working tools you keep: the Boundary Management Worksheet for sorting common interactions along a vulnerability continuum, and the Ethical Decision-Making Worksheet for identifying harm, values, standards, and what to document. Participants also leave with a written set of personal core values and a curated resource list covering 42 CFR Part 2, SAMHSA core competencies, and INAPS national guidelines.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Community-Based Living & Housing Provider Summit
2026-08-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Peppermill Hotel and Casino, Reno, NV, United States
This summit is designed to increase participation from community members interested in learning more about becoming Community Based Living Arrangement (CBLA) providers and contracting with Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS).
The NNAMHS Community-Based Housing Summit will be held at the Peppermill Hotel in Reno, Nevada, on August 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This event will highlight the dedication and hard work of our current housing providers, include a training component focused on best practices in supportive housing, and feature a consumer panel of individuals who are currently in, or have previously utilized, our residential program.
In addition to training and discussion, the summit will create space for providers, partners, and community members to network and learn more about the needs of people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and how we can better support recovery-focused, person-centered housing options.
Registration is free but available for a limited time. Use the RSVP link below to secure your spot.

Addressing Nicotine Use in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
2026-08-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
This session explores the complex relationship between nicotine and opioid use, including shared biological pathways and how co-use can intensify pain, cravings, and withdrawal. Patients may rely on nicotine to manage stress or withdrawal symptoms, creating a reinforcing cycle that complicates recovery. Integrating treatment for both conditions is increasingly recognized as essential to improving long-term outcomes.
Educational Objectives:

Summarize the co-occurrence and prevalence of opioid and nicotine use.
Describe the compelling factors for co-treatment of nicotine and opioid use.
Detail evidence-based strategies for integrating co-treatment into standard practice.

Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
2026-08-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Reno City Hall – Council Chambers, 1 E. 1 Street St., Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Families are often torn apart when a loved one is experiencing alcohol and drug abuse and/or mental health conditions. They are left feeling isolated and not knowing where to turn for help. Please join the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN)for a free workshop to learn more about substance use and mental health conditions and how you can support your loved ones.
This initiative is funded by the City of Reno’s Opioid funds, with the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada being a subrecipient of these funds.
Download PDF flyer: BHAN Flyer 2026 – Resilience for Families026.pdf
Locations:
Evelyn Mount Community Center, Rawhide Room
1301 Valley Road, Reno 89512
June 25, 2026, 10:00-11:30am
July 21,2026, 10:00-11:30am
Neil Road Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room
3925 Neil Road, Reno 89502
August 31, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm
September 10, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm September 24, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm
Reno City Hall, Council Chambers
1 E. 1 Street, Reno 89501 st
*Free validation of parking ticket for garage adjacent to City Hall
*Virtual link available: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85203796612
August 20, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
October 15, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm

Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Office Hours
2026-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
The Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team will host their monthly office hours on Friday, August 21st from 10:00-11:00 AM. These sessions are informal and have no set agenda. Participants are welcome to drop in with overdose data–related questions or requests for one-on-one technical assistance. If you are interested in attending, please register at the link below.
About
Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded initiative that supports state and local partners in using timely, high-quality data to inform overdose prevention and response strategies. In Nevada, the OD2A team collects, analyzes, and disseminates actionable data—such as emergency department visits, fatal and non-fatal overdoses, and related surveillance indicators—to help communities identify trends, guide resource allocation, and strengthen coordinated response efforts across the state.
For additional information about the Nevada Overdose Data to Action Program, visit www.nvopioidcoe.org/opioid-response-framework/od2a or email Taylor Lensch at tlensch@unr.edu.

Group Facilitation-Running Engaged Groups & Meetings
2026-08-24 07:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
This full day, interactive training runs in two parts, a Foundational morning session and an Advanced afternoon session. It is built for peer recovery support specialists, recovery coaches, RCO staff, and anyone who leads groups, meetings, or community conversations. Offers 6 NAADAC CE credits.
What You’ll Learn

How to guide discussion and stay neutral without controlling the conversation
How to build psychological safety through group agreements and self-awareness
Active listening, reflecting, and open-ended questioning using the OARS framework
How to read group energy, balance dominant and quieter voices, and adapt for in-person, virtual, and hybrid settings
Tuckman’s five stages of group development and what each asks of a facilitator
How to respond to resistance, de-escalate tension, and repair trust after a difficult discussion

What You’ll Take Away
Facilitator language practiced through role play and reflection exercises, a drafted session plan, and downloadable FVR tools including a group agreement template, questioning techniques guide, and de-escalation quick guide.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Stairway to Peace Guided Imagery Meditation to Support Nervous System Regulation for Those Affected by Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders
2026-08-24 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
Join the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for the Mindfulness Monday training series dedicated to fostering mindfulness and self-care for those working in or supporting individuals with substance use disorders. In this series trainers present practical, research-based mindfulness strategies designed to support calm, clarity and balance in daily life. Each session offers simple yet powerful practices that engage the mind, heart and body to reduce stress and build resilience.
This session will help participants practice gentle self-care through this step-by-step, guided imagery process. It will be facilitated by Christina Walter.
For more information and registration.
Program provided by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) with support from ORN.

Wound Care for Opioid Affected Communities
2026-08-25 09:30 - 11:00 | Zoom Webinar
People who inject and use drugs (PWID/PWUD) are at increased risk for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI’s) and chronic wounds. This training will provide an overview of the different types of wounds and infections encountered with PWUD as well as low barrier treatment options.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Identify the types of wounds and infections encountered in PWUD.
Understand basic wound assessment and treatment options.
Develop a harm reduction approach to wound care in PWUD.
Reduce wound stigma in individuals with substance use disorders.

Presented by: Michael Huyck DNP, FNP, CARN-AP
Michael Huyck is a Family and Addiction Nurse Practitioner with the University of Illinois at Chicago Community Outreach Intervention Projects where he focuses on integrating substance use disorder treatment and primary care in settings such as syringe exchanges, mobile, and street health programs. His clinical interests include piloting evidenced based interventions to address problems specific to populations with substance use disorders including wound care, ultrasound-guided phlebotomy, and low barrier access to medications for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 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.

JTNN Overdose Awareness Day Event
2026-08-25 11:00 - 14:00 | National Automobile Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN) invites the community to a free event in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day 2026, carrying the theme “25 Years On. Still Needed.”
The event features keynote speaker Daniel Fred, Director of Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention (NRAP) at the University of Nevada, Reno, a person in long-term recovery, author, and recovery advocate, along with additional speakers from CrossRoads who will share stories of overcoming substance use challenges, healing, and finding hope.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony will lead “Grounding Together: Building Skills for Wellness,” an interactive session on grounding techniques for managing stress and supporting emotional well-being, and a digital photo collage will honor those lost to overdose, with photo submissions welcome by the deadline.
Quest Counseling will offer grief support in a compassionate space to reflect and heal, and lunch will be provided by The Life Change Center.
To learn more, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://overdoseawareness.carrd.co/. For questions, contact JTNN at www.jtnn.org, 775.324.7557, or outreach@jtnn.org.

Public Health Training Summit
2026-08-26 - 2026-08-27 | Flagstaff, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center (ITCA TEC) would like to invite you to the upcoming Public Health Training Summit.
The Public Health Training Summit will include workshops in Data Collection, Survey Design, Data Management, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Communication, and Evaluation.
Please the link below to express your interest in attending. Once the registration is live, ITCA TEC will send you the link to register for the event.
Registration is open to Tribes and public health workers within the Phoenix and Tucson IHS Service Areas (AZ, NV, UT).
Travel reimbursement may be available for tribal members and employees up to government rates.

Managing OUD in Acute Care Settings
2026-08-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
This session focuses on addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) in acute care settings, where treatment decisions often fall to them and carry lasting consequences for patients. This session walks through identifying OUD, assessing withdrawal, and choosing the right medication treatment when fentanyl exposure, pain, trauma, and psychiatric comorbidity complicate the picture. Participants will work through standard and alternative buprenorphine induction strategies, methadone initiation, and how to manage precipitated withdrawal when things do not go as planned. We will close with disposition planning, naloxone provision, discharge prescribing, and how to build a warm handoff that actually holds.
Educational Objectives:

Recognize OUD in hospitalized patients and assess withdrawal using standardized measures.
Select and initiate first-line MOUD in the hospital, performing standard induction or applying micro or macro initiation when the clinical situation calls for it.
Manage precipitated withdrawal along with common comorbidities, such as co-occurring pain and PTSD, that complicate treatment decisions.
Match patients to the appropriate level of continuing care and execute effective linkage to ongoing treatment.

Working With the Reentry & Justice Involved Population
2026-08-31 07:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
This half day, interactive training is built for peer recovery support specialists, recovery coaches, and RCO staff who work with people currently or formerly involved in the criminal legal system. The session covers the barriers that shape reentry, trauma informed and recovery oriented practice, and the role of peer support in helping people rebuild. Offers 3 NAADAC CE credits.
What You’ll Learn

How housing, employment, healthcare, and family reunification barriers intersect and reinforce cycles of incarceration
How stigma and labeling operate at both the personal and structural level
Why recovery capital matters in reentry and where justice involvement limits access to it
How peer support builds trust, models recovery, and bridges gaps between systems and participants
Person first language practices that reduce stigma and center dignity
Practical navigation strategies for housing, employment, legal supervision, and crisis situations

What You’ll Take Away
Participants leave with a resource mapping approach across housing, employment, education, behavioral health, and transportation, along with collaborative action planning practices and de-escalation strategies they can apply immediately with participants.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
2026-08-31 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-09-10 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-09-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Neil Road Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room, 3925 Neil Road,, Reno, 89502, United States

2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil
2026-08-31 19:00 - 22:00 | Believe Plaza, 10 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV, United States
Join us for the 2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil on Monday, August 31, 2026, hosted by Wake Up Nevada & Life Changes Inc.
This community event honors the lives lost to overdose, supports individuals and families impacted by substance use, and promotes hope, healing, recovery, and overdose prevention.
The evening will include a candlelight vigil, community resource tables, educational information, and free candles for the first 300 attendees.
Stop by the NOCE resource table to learn about overdose prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery supports, and other statewide opioid-related resources.
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.Location: Believe Plaza, 10 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV
We hope you’ll join the community for this meaningful evening of remembrance, education, and hope.

Native-Centered Community Overdose Training
2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
CCUIH (California Consortium for Urban Indian Health) hosts free, virtual Community Overdose Trainings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6PM PST. These Native-centered, community-based trainings cover overdose information, naloxone (Narcan) administration, and life-saving response skills. Remaining 2026 dates include September 8, October 13, November 10, and December 8. All registrants receive a free naloxone kit, and attendees can connect with CCUIH to request additional naloxone supplies or schedule trainings for their community. To register, visit bit.ly/ccuih-narcan26. Questions can be directed to TMAT@CCUIH.org.

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Champion Training of Trainers *In-Person Only*
2026-09-10 08:30 - 2026-09-11 12:30 | University of Nevada, Reno – Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89511, United States
*In-Person Only; Virtual not available
One and a half days of training on:
Sept 10, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sept 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The SBIRT Champion Training of Trainers (TOT) program is an advanced professional development opportunity for individuals who are committed to expanding the use of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) within their organizations and communities. Designed for professionals who have already completed SBIRT training, this program prepares participants to serve as local champions by strengthening their skills in SBIRT education, implementation, and practice improvement.
Participants will explore adult learning principles, training facilitation techniques, implementation strategies, and approaches to sustaining SBIRT within diverse settings. Through interactive learning and peer collaboration, participants will develop a practical plan for advancing SBIRT and supporting colleagues in adopting evidence-informed practices.
Graduates of the program will join a network of SBIRT Champions who are equipped to promote, train, and support SBIRT implementation across healthcare, behavioral health, public health, and community-based organizations.
Ideal applicants are professionals who have completed SBIRT training, are positioned to influence practice or train others, and are motivated to advance SBIRT within their organization or community. Experience with training, facilitation, and Motivational Interviewing is preferred but not required.
Presenter:
Jennifer Hettema, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and conducts research on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of screening, prevention, and intervention strategies (SPI) for unhealthy alcohol and drug use. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and much of her work integrates this approach. Dr. Hettema develops curricula and has trained thousand of professionals in evidence-based SPI strategies.
Cost: FREE
Continuing Education Units: 10 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here and through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), and has been approved by CASAT, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 10 CEUs. NAADAC Provider #98165. CASAT is responsible for all aspects of its programming. The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY BY AUGUST 26, 2026: https://casatunr.wufoo.com/forms/z1dmra3m06flscm/
Completion of the application provides reviewers the required screening criteria, assesses readiness and impact, and can be completed in about 5 minutes. Your application will be reviewed upon submission and you will be notified of your acceptance to participate by August 28, 2026.

Permission to Grieve: A Guide to Coping with Uncomfortable Feelings in Native Contexts
2026-09-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom Meeting
This 2‑hour virtual training centers grief, loss, and complex emotions in Native communities—and in the lives of helpers themselves—in the context of ongoing trauma, overdose deaths, and substance use. Blending Indigenous trauma science, grief practices, and Western neuroscience (such as the window of tolerance and nervous system responses), we will focus on both provider wellness and usable skills.
Participants will explore the difference between trauma‑informed and healing‑centered approaches, and will leave with concrete co‑regulation tools and grief‑aware practices they can bring into their work with Native communities in Nevada, including conversations about opioid use, treatment, and recovery.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between trauma‑informed and healing‑centered approaches to grief in Native communities, particularly in the context of overdose deaths and substance‑related losses.
Describe how grief and historical trauma can show up in bodies, emotions, behaviors, and relationships for Indigenous clients and for providers themselves—and how this impacts engagement in opioid‑related services.
Identify at least two concrete practices they can use to co‑regulate with clients (and themselves) during times of grief, crisis, or emotional overwhelm, including when discussing opioid use and treatment options.
Develop at least one realistic commitment for integrating grief‑aware, culturally grounded practices into their work settings to support both client healing and provider sustainability in opioid‑related and behavioral health work.

Intended Audience: Behavioral health providers, healthcare providers, peer support specialists, community health workers, and others working with tribal communities in Nevada, with particular relevance for rural and tribal partners.
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: Casandra (Cas) Stouder, ORN Consultant, Tribal Southwest (Region 9), Diné (Navajo) & Seminole
Casandra (Cas) Stouder is Diné (Navajo) and Seminole and has spent more than 24 years working alongside Indigenous communities through trauma, addiction, recovery, and systems change. She is an Indigenous wellness consultant and Trauma & Systems Transformation Facilitator, and serves as a Technical Support Specialist with the Opioid Response Network (Southwest), supporting tribal communities in designing culturally grounded substance use and opioid‑related prevention and healing initiatives.
Cas has delivered over 1,000 professional trainings and supported more than 1,900 community wellness and prevention efforts. Her work braids ACEs/NEAR science, Indigenous trauma science, Medicine Wheel‑based brain frameworks, and somatic practice with traditional knowledge. She has developed multiple Indigenous recovery and wellness programs, including Sacred Path to Recovery and Medicine Wheel Wellness, and serves as an Arizona ACEs Educational Trainer and Indigenous Community Subcommittee Chair for the Arizona ACEs Consortium.
A Native woman in long‑term recovery, Cas brings deep lived experience, ceremony, and careful, prayerful practice to her work. She is recognized as Arizona’s Preeminent Health Innovation Leader (2025) and Best Rural Women’s Health Practitioner (2025).
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)
Doulas

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.

Fostering Recovery Ready Workplaces
2026-09-14 07:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
This half day, interactive training is built for employers, HR and supervisory staff, RCO leaders, and peer workforce professionals who want to make their workplaces more supportive of people in and seeking recovery. The session defines what a recovery friendly workplace is, examines the barriers that keep people in early recovery out of the labor force, makes the business case for hiring people in recovery, and walks through the culture and policy changes that support it. Offers 3 NAADAC CE credits.
What You’ll Learn

How recovery is defined across SAMHSA and Recovery Research Institute frameworks, and why multiple pathways are all valid
What distinguishes a recovery friendly workplace, including specific policies and practices drawn from the DOL Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit
The barriers people in early recovery face when seeking employment, from transportation and childcare to judicial history and stigma
How language shapes bias toward people with substance use disorders, and which terms research shows carry negative versus positive associations
The business case for recovery friendly hiring, including turnover savings, absenteeism data, and retention findings from the National Safety Council and FADAP
ADA protections and employer obligations related to substance use disorder and alcohol use in the workplace
The elements of a written recovery friendly policy, plus employee education and supervisor training practices that make it work

What You’ll Take Away
Participants leave having drafted a return to work plan in small groups for employees returning from treatment, along with a language audit method for reviewing internal and external materials for stigmatizing terminology, and a practical checklist of employer actions covering flexible scheduling, EAP access, confidentiality safeguards, and RCO partnership.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Self-Compassion: Mindfulness for Individuals Impacted by Opioid Use Disorder
2026-09-14 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
Join the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for the Mindfulness Monday training series dedicated to fostering mindfulness and self-care for those working in or supporting individuals with substance use disorders. In this series trainers present practical, research-based mindfulness strategies designed to support calm, clarity and balance in daily life. Each session offers simple yet powerful practices that engage the mind, heart and body to reduce stress and build resilience.
This session will help participants explore how to respond to stress and difficulty with greater compassion, using mindful awareness to soften self-criticism and support emotional resilience. It will be facilitated by Rebecca Shisler Marshall, PhD.
For more information and registration.
Program provided by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) with support from ORN.

Assembly Bill 156: Pharmacists Prescribing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
2026-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Webinar
Assembly Bill 156 (AB156) expanded access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in Nevada by authorizing qualified pharmacists to prescribe and dispense medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) under specific conditions. Since the legislation took effect, implementation has continued to evolve through Board regulations and clinical practice.
Join the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy for an updated overview of AB156, including the regulatory framework, pharmacist authorization process, and the current status of pharmacist-prescribed MOUD in Nevada. This presentation is designed for healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, public health practitioners, and others interested in expanding access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
Learning objectives

Understand Assembly Bill (AB) 156 and regulations promulgated by the Board
Describe the process in which a pharmacist obtains authorization to prescribe MOUD

Presented by: Darla Zarley, PharmD, PMP Administrator, Nevada State Board of Pharmacy
Darla Zarley obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from North Dakota State University. Upon graduation she worked for a local chain pharmacy as a staff pharmacist, pharmacy manager and market trainer. In 2001 Dr. Zarley joined Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy. As the Director of Experiential Education, her responsibilities included coordinating Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations for P3 students in addition to teaching pharmacy law and pharmacy calculations.
On June 1, 2018, Darla Zarley began working as a Grant & Project Analyst for the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy’s Prescription Monitoring Program. Her role is to oversee the daily operations of the Prescription Monitoring Program which includes the management of grant activities, assisting users with registration, and trouble-shooting PMP related issues.
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.

Deep Box breathing for Self-Regulation for Those Affected by Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders
2026-09-28 11:00 - 23:30 | Virtual Event
Join the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for the Mindfulness Monday training series dedicated to fostering mindfulness and self-care for those working in or supporting individuals with substance use disorders. In this series trainers present practical, research-based mindfulness strategies designed to support calm, clarity and balance in daily life. Each session offers simple yet powerful practices that engage the mind, heart and body to reduce stress and build resilience.
Follow this guided breathing process to relax and restore the body, mind and spirit. It will be facilitated by Christina Walter.
For more information and registration.
Program provided by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) with support from ORN.

BeHERE NV's Fourth Behavioral Health Virtual Summit
2026-10-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
BeHERE NV’s Behavioral Health Virtual Summit brings together students, professionals, educators, and leaders from across Nevada to inspire the next generation of the behavioral health workforce. Join BeHERE NV for an engaging morning of learning, networking, and career exploration.
This year’s theme, Behavioral Health Passport: Explore. Connect. Grow, celebrates the many pathways into behavioral health. Whether you’re a student exploring career options, a new professional navigating your journey, or someone considering a career transition, there’s something for everyone.
During the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to:

Explore a variety of behavioral health career pathways, which may include clinical mental health counseling, addiction counseling, social work, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, sports psychology, community health work, clinical psychology, and problem gambling counseling.
Connect with experienced professionals, educators, mentors, and behavioral health leaders from across Nevada.
Discover educational pathways, career opportunities, licensure information, and resources to help guide the next step in their professional journey.
Collect “passport stamps” by attending destination sessions and exploring the many opportunities available throughout the behavioral health workforce.

Event Details:
Behavioral Health Virtual Summit
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Virtual via Zoom
FREE to attend
Whether you’ve attended one of our previous summits or this will be your first, we’d love to have you join us as we continue building a stronger behavioral health workforce across Nevada.
Register today at this link:
https://forms.gle/imhDZ48oehSsknt49

Introduction to Treating Patients with Buprenorphine for Primary Care Providers
2026-10-12 06:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
The Overdose Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN) at the University of Michigan is a multidisciplinary team committed to improving lives and reducing harms of substance use. Through partnership with individuals, communities, and organizations, OPEN provides education and resources to strengthen person-centered prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. OPEN has graciously extended a warm invitation to Indian Country providers to participate in their virtual trainings and webinar series throughout 2026 (and beyond). These sessions offer timely, clinically relevant content that can be applied across care settings, with CE credits available.
During May 2020–April 2021, the estimated number of drug overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 over a 12-month period for the first time. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), like Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone have been proven to reduce overdose and death, and providers that hold a DEA license with Schedule III Authority can prescribe Buprenorphine. Ensuring prescribers have the knowledge to initiate MOUD is imperative to helping patients with opioid use disorder.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the basics of the neurobiology of addiction
Understand the basic pharmacodynamics of buprenorphine
Describe the diagnosis, intake, and buprenorphine induction of a patient with OUD.
Understand how to manage acute and chronic pain for patients with opioid use disorder with a specific emphasis on using buprenorphine for pain management
Describe key principles in the outpatient management of patients with OUD

Presenters:

Chris Frank, MD, Ph.D.
Eliza Hutchinson, MD, FASM

Who should take this training:

Physicians
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants

4 CME Credits (4.0 hours)

Meets DEA Training Requirements

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of MyMichigan Health and OPEN: Overdose Prevention Engagement Network. MyMichigan Health is accredited by the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. MyMichigan Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category Credit(s)TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
