The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)

International Women’s Day 2025 in Northern Nevada
2025-03-08 | Sparks Marina
Join the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence at International Women’s Day 2025
The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence is honored to participate in International Women’s Day 2025, a community-wide event hosted by Nevada Women’s Fund and supported by over 100 participating organizations. This day-long celebration highlights the achievements of women, promotes gender equality, and inspires collective action for a brighter future.

Event Highlights

Accelerate Equality Walk & Run – Kick off the day at 8:00 AM at Sparks Marina and join hundreds of participants walking or running in support of women’s empowerment.

Community Vendor Fair – Connect with local organizations providing resources and support for women and families.

Light the Arch Purple – Join us in downtown Reno from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM as the Reno Arch lights up in purple, a powerful symbol of unity and progress.

Why This Matters

International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress while continuing to push for change. As one of over 100 participating organizations, the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community by ensuring access to critical resources.

Be part of this inspiring movement. Explore the full schedule of events and participating organizations at www.nevadawomensfund.org/international-women-s-day.

Together, we can elevate, empower, and accelerate action.

Project ECHO Pain Management
2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-19 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-05 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
First and Third Wednesdays of each month | 8–9 am

This clinic is a forum guided by a Pain Management Physician, a Pain Management Psychologist, and a Mental Health and Addiction Specialist. The clinic offers an opportunity to present and discuss patients in your clinic with pain. Learn how to assess and manage your patients with pain through a variety of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities. Learn best practice approaches to minimizing the risk of addiction.
Register Now: https://unrmed.formstack.com/forms/echo_sign_in?&title=Pain%20Management
Pain Management Case Review Form: https://redcap.unr.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=RE4NYNCJHN
Presented by:

Michael J. Lewandowski, Ph.D. Dr. Lewandowski is a licensed psychologist in the State of Nevada, President of Pain Assessment Resources, and Director of Behavioral Medicine Consultants Inc. He has extensive training and experience in the application of psychological principles to problems in medicine, specifically chronic pain. His 31-years of clinical experience include his internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Reno Nevada and work in two CARF accredited pain management programs in northern Nevada. His pain management practice covers both Reno and Carson City.
Denis Patterson, D.O. Dr. Patterson is Board Certified in Pain Medicine as well as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a specialist in common and complex neurological disorders and musculoskeletal issues and is an expert in electrodiagnostics (nerve conduction studies and electromyography) which aid in the diagnosis of nerve disorders. He has been seeing and treating patients at Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists, an industry leader in pain management.
Paul Snyder, MA, LCADC, LCPC. Paul specializes in treating mental health and substance use disorders. Paul has worked in the Hazelden-Betty Ford Health Care Professional Track as well as Residential, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient treatment. Paul created and supervised a woman’s treatment program, writes a monthly health care column with a readership of 65,000, is a speaker/educator throughout the state of Nevada, has a local practice and is the primary counselor for substance use disorders for the Three Nation’s Tribal Health Center.

Disclosures: https://med.unr.edu/echo/disclosures
CME Evaluation Form: https://unrmed.formstack.com/forms/echo_evaluation?&title=Pain%20Management
To request copies of didactics and reference materials, please contact: ProjectECHO@med.unr.edu

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Accreditation
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine approves this program for 1.0 hour of nursing continuing education credit. Nevada State Board of Nursing provider number 120894-1.
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is a provider of continuing education credit through the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. This program is approved for 1 hours of continuing education credit for pharmacists.

Mae Orvis Health Care Symposium - The ABCs of Hot Topics in Healthcare
2025-03-04 08:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Meeting
Register now for the symposium on March 4th, 2025!
Your registration included access to the live virtual presentations and on-demand recordings after the event.
CEUs will be provided!

Topics Include

AI in Healthcare
Best Practice in Weight Loss Management
Cases in Emerging Infectious Disease
DEA Updates and Safe Opioid Prescribing
Emergency Medicine and Intersection of Politics

The Mission of our Symposium

The vision of the Mae Orvis Health Care Symposium is to facilitate and encourage the examination of current evidence based practice ideas and concepts relevant to the evolving interdisciplinary healthcare team. We seek to explore objectives to provide best outcomes and best practice modalities to our vast patient populations in the Nevada health care community and beyond.
Founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN), at the University of Nevada, is the oldest school of nursing in the state and is dedicated to serving people of Nevada through quality teaching, research and service.

Fentanyl and Other Opioids in our Community: An Informational Video Presentation for Families and Students
2025-02-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Spanish Springs High School Theater, 1065 Eagle Canyon Dr., Sparks, 89441, United States
Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan, in collaboration with Wake Up Nevada, Quest Counseling and Consulting, Inc., Join Together Northern Nevada, and the Washoe County School District, is hosting an informational video presentation on the impact of fentanyl overdoses in the community. The presentation will cover the risks associated with fentanyl misuse, provide resources and guidance for families and students, and raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the Spanish Springs High School Theater. The public is invited to attend.

Rural Nevada Public Health Summit
2025-02-25 08:30 - 16:00 | Carson Valley Inn Casino, 1627 U.S. Highway 395, North Minden, NV, 89423, United States
National Rural Health Day: Celebrating the Power of Rural
Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health has designated the third Thursday of every November as National Rural Health Day – a moment to honor and celebrate the vital contributions of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, and stakeholders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of rural America.
NRHD shines a spotlight on the Power of Rural – a strength rooted in resilience, ingenuity, and community. It’s a day to recognize the tireless efforts of those working to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations, while also celebrating the innovative solutions and collaborative spirit that define rural health systems.
Rural Nevada Health Summit: November 19-20, 2026
Each year, Nevada hosts its own special celebration in recognition of NRHD. This year’s theme, Rural Ready Nevada, highlights the strength, resilience, and innovation of our rural communities. This year’s event will be held November 19–20 in Reno, NV and brings together rural champions from across the state to spotlight local success stories, foster collaboration, and promote awareness about the importance of rural health access and equity. Join us!

National Rural Health Day registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-rural-nevada-health-summit-tickets-1993612378290
Interested in presenting?

Speaker applications: Deadline Aug. 7
Poster applications: Deadline Sept. 30
Exhibitors applications: Deadline Oct. 31

Behavioral Health Day at the Nevada Legislature
2025-02-25 08:00 - 18:00 | Nevada State Capitol, 101 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV, United States
Join the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN) for Behavioral Health Day at the Legislature on February 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Nevada State Capitol (101 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV).
This event provides an opportunity for networking and advocacy, including meetings with legislators to discuss critical behavioral health topics and the mission of BHAN—promoting collaboration, prevention, accessibility, and sustainability of behavioral health treatment in Nevada.
An evening reception is also planned, with details to be announced soon.
For more information, contact steve@bhanv.org or ncarano@bhanv.org.
Download PDF Flyer: BH Day at Legislature Flyer

Navigating Social Identity and Intersectionality in Rural Healthcare
2025-02-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Webinar
Building Culturally Competent Care
Date: February 12th, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Platform: Zoom
Presented by: Jay Cafferata, MA, CDE
Topics of Discussion:

Define social identity & intersectionality to explain its relevance to healthcare.
Identify the unique healthcare needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds in rural communities.
Develop strategies for building culturally humble relationships with patients.
Recognize and address implicit bias and systemic barriers.

Contact Information:
639 Isbell Road, Suite 290, Reno, NV 89509
highsierraahec@gmail.com
(775) 507-4022

Culturally Responsive Approaches to Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Nevada’s Tribal Nations: A Comprehensive Learning Series
2025-02-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Thank you for you interest in attending “Culturally Responsive Approaches to Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Nevada’s Tribal Nations: A Comprehensive Learning Series.” At the time the course has reached it’s capacity and registration is now closed. Please email noce@casat.org to be added to the wait list and we will contact you should a spot become available.

6 Week Virtual Learning Series:

February 11, 2025
February 25, 2025
March 11, 2025
March 25, 2025
April 8, 2025
April 22, 2025

Times: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Series Description:
This comprehensive 12-hour, 6-session virtual training series is designed for professionals working with Nevada’s tribal nations to develop culturally responsive strategies for addressing mental health and substance use challenges, including opioid use disorder. Participants will explore Native American history, health policies, and culturally tailored interventions to enhance their ability to engage and support Native American communities effectively.
Through interactive discussions, practical applications, and a culminating implementation plan, attendees will leave equipped with culturally responsive skills and knowledge essential for meaningful community engagement and impact. Completion of the series is required to receive a certificate and continuing education units.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this series, participants will be able to:

Describe the impact of Native American history and historical trauma on current mental health and substance use issues.
Explain Native American health policies, including the interplay between tribal, state, and federal systems.
Identify culturally responsive concepts, terminology, and theoretical frameworks relevant to Native American cultural approaches.
Apply culturally appropriate protocols in community-based engagement with tribal communities.
Utilize culturally responsive interventions for addressing mental health, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention within Native American communities.
Develop and discuss an actionable plan for implementing culturally responsive practices in collaboration with other cohort participants.

This series offers a unique opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and enhance professional practice in partnership with Native American communities across Nevada.
Participant Commitment & Expectations:

Commit to 6-weeks of training for 2 hours weekly on scheduled series days/times including weekly self-study learning activities.
Access to appropriate technology to utilize Zoom videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, webcam, laptop/tablet, speakers and microphone) as well as active participant engagement to gain/improve skills are required.
Participants must attend every week in order to earn the full 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). No partial credit will be issued.

Presented by: Dr. Crystal Lee | Diné (Navajo)

Dr. Crystal Lee was born and raised on the Navajo Nation. Her tribal clans are Tachii’nii (Red Running into the Water), Tabaaha (Water’s Edge), Tsenjikini (Cliff Dwellers), and Kin I ichii’nii (Red House). She completed her undergraduate degree(s) at Arizona St. University; MPH and PhD in Public Health degree(s) at University of Las Vegas-Nevada; MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law at University of Oklahoma, College of Law; Predoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health; and her Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of California-Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine.
Currently she is faculty, Assistant Professor, at University of New Mexico, College of Population Health. In addition, she was an Indigenous HIV/AIDS Research Training Fellow at the University of Washington, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute and a Seminar Instructor at Harvard University Kennedy School. She conducts infectious disease biomedical prevention research with a focus on Native American health and examines Indigenous health policies at a tribal, state-tribal coordination, national, and international level. She is Founder/CEO of United Natives, a national non-profit organization that serves Indian Country on multiple initiatives (www.unitednatives.org) that focuses on delivering free mental tele-health services. United Natives was featured as one of USA Today’s top non-profits addressing COVID-19 in Indian Country nationwide. United Natives has prestigious partnerships with: L’Oreal, NFL Alumni Association, NBA Alumni Association, NASCAR, Fiesta Bowl, and the Boston Red Sox. Also, she is Founder/CEO of Dr. b Collections, a Native American fashion line (www.drbcollections.com), and recognized as the first Native American professional sports team owner who owned two men’s professional basketball teams in Mexico.

She serves on the United Nations (UN) North American Indigenous Caucus, UN Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus, and L’Oreal USA Board for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She served as the Vice Chair for the Clark County NV, Democratic Party Native Caucus, Advisor for the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity, and on U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford’s Equity Cabinet Committee. She served as a Tribal Health Advisor to the Obama Administration and was honored by President Bill Clinton for her work with Indigenous communities at the Clinton Global Initiative. She was the 12th class of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s 40-under-40 award.

Continuing Education: 12 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the Nevada Certification Board for Peer Support Specialists (PRSS and PRSS-S), Community Heath Workers (CHW), and Prevention Specialist (PS) as well as by the boards listed here.

Cost: FREE
Application: Space is limited. Please complete the application form by January 20, 2025 to express your interest in attending. Approved participants will be notified by January 24, 2025 and sent additional information regarding accessing the virtual learning activity. Please note that completing this application does not guarantee automatic registration. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants will be selected based on specific eligibility criteria.
Funding & Disclaimer
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.

L.I.M.A. Community Resource Sharing Meeting
2025-02-07 11:00 - 16:00 | University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 2280 N McDaniel St., North Las Vegas, NV, 89030, United States
Join us for the L.I.M.A. Community Resource Sharing Meeting, an opportunity for community members, service providers, and organizations to connect, collaborate, and share resources. Each attendee will have 90 seconds to introduce their resources and services, fostering a network of support for individuals in need.
This event is co-hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Hope for Family Resilience Program and is open to all who want to make a difference in their community.
About L.I.M.A.
Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health & Addiction (L.I.M.A.) provides a voluntary pathway to recovery and support for individuals facing substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness. By working together, we can bridge the gap between law enforcement, service providers, and the community.
Important Notes
Parking is limited – Please carpool if possible.
Scan the QR code (below) or click here for more details.
For More Information:
Angel Lash – (702) 671-3866; lasha@clarkcountycourts.us
Hope Team – HopeTeam@unr.edu

Preventing ACEs and Their Associated Harms: Moving Upstream to Build Resilience
2025-02-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Webinar
The association between chronic exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and opioid use disorder (OUD) across the lifespan is well-established, but ACEs are preventable. This webinar will explore the evidence supporting upstream strategies that can prevent ACEs from happening in the first place as well as positive childhood experiences (PCEs) that can mitigate the harms of ACEs. Recent data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs at the state-level to guide prevention and evaluation activities will also be explored.
Webinar Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Explain the influence of ACEs and PCEs on substance use risk behaviors and OUD using a lifecourse perspective;
Describe primary prevention strategies that can prevent ACEs;
Describe how PCEs can buffer the impact of ACEs on behavioral health outcomes;
Identify state-level data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs.

Presenters:
Amanda Haboush-Deloye, PhD, Executive Director, NICRP, Co-Director of Research, NMHEC, Associate Professor, SPH Social and Behavioral Health
Amanda Haboush-Deloye earned her Ph.D. in experimental psychology and her Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Amanda’s research background is on mental health in adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. She also has a particular interest in improving research methods to be more culturally competent. As a researcher at NICRP, she has designed and implemented many research projects regarding children’s physical health, mental health, and education, as well as children’s advocacy initiatives such as Every Child Matters in Nevada and Prevent Child Abuse Nevada. Being a Las Vegas native, Amanda aims to remain in Nevada and work with NICRP to create a healthy community where families and children are a priority.

Kristen Clements-Nolle, PhD, MPH, Professor and Graduate Director, Epidemiology, School of Public Health
Kristin Clements-Nolle received her MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Ph.D in Epidemiology, both from the University of California, Berkeley. Kristen is a nationally recognized adolescent health researcher and has published extensively on the impact of ACE exposure on health outcomes across the lifespan. She also investigates social, community, and family factors that can prevent ACE exposure and/or mitigate the impact on behavioral health outcomes. Kristen is currently a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health and the principal investigator for a five year grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will focus on preventing ACEs and promoting positive childhood experiences in Nevada.

Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the Nevada Certification Board for Community Health Workers (CHW) and Prevention Specialists (PS) as well as 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.

Reading, Understanding, and Using State Budgets for Advocacy
2025-01-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
This webinar series aims to give attendees a current snapshot of Nevada’s behavioral health infrastructure, plans, funding, and resources in anticipation of the 2025 session of the Nevada Legislature.

Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on Thursday, January 31, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series.
Elyse Monroy, Government Affairs Manager for Cartwright NV Government Affairs, in an engaging session that will walk attendees through how to find, read, and understand state budgets published for the legislative session. Attendees will then be guided through how using the information from these budget documents can help them better understand resources available for the issues with which they are passionate, and how that information can be leveraged for educational and advocacy activities.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nevada-bh-pre-legislative-session-webinar-series-3934713

In Plain Sight: Confronting the Human Trafficking Crisis in Healthcare Settings
2025-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Webinar
Human trafficking is a rapidly increasing public health and safety issue in the United States. It is the fastest rising commerce in the world with over 200,000 minors at risk in the United States. People are forced into labor or sexual exploitation with deception and intimidation. It is reported that up to 80% of victims are seen by a healthcare provider while captive. Often, victims will not identify themselves as such due to the fear of being further abused by their captor. Health care providers are perfectly positioned to identify the signs and report suspected human trafficking. By educating clinicians, victims of trafficking may be more likely to be rescued and receive the appropriate resources recovery. This course will define types of trafficking, differentiate between sex trafficking and sex work, identify at-risk populations, describe how to identify and report trafficked patients, and discuss trauma-informed care. This course is approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in accordance with House Bill 2059, 86th Session, 2019.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:

Understand the definition of human trafficking, who is at risk, recruitment techniques, and the different types of trafficking.
Identify the difference between sex trafficking and sex work and trafficking and smuggling.
Learn how to identify a person that is being trafficked through screening and observing clinical signs, and when it is mandated to report.
Understand how traffickers exploit addiction and shared risk factors, such as trauma and economic instability, to control victims.
Recognize the critical role of healthcare providers in identifying signs of trafficking and addiction and connecting victims to resources.
Understand the procedures in which to report a potentially trafficked person.
Apply harm reduction tools and trauma-informed care strategies to support victims and collaborate with organizations to address trafficking and opioid addiction effectively.
Identify local and national resources for trafficked persons.

Presented by: Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC
Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Dental Hygienist. She is a full-time dental hygiene educator in Texas where she teaches community dentistry and research. Kandice is the owner of a CE company called Inspired Education & Wellness where she is a speaker, writer, private practice therapist, and co-owner of Muffins & Mimosas Dental Study Club.

Continuing Education Units: 2 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by Nevada Certification Board for Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS and PRSS-S), Community Health Workers (CHW), and Doulas as well as 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.

Advocacy 101: Engaging in the Legislative Process
2025-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
This webinar series aims to give attendees a current snapshot of Nevada’s behavioral health infrastructure, plans, funding, and resources in anticipation of the 2025 session of the Nevada Legislature.

Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on Monday, January 27, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series.
Elyse Monroy, Government Affairs Manager for Cartwright NV Government Affairs, will present a toolkit for advocacy developed in partnership with the Nevada Public Health Association (NPHA). Attendees will learn the difference between providing education, advocacy, and lobbying, and how to navigate the fast-paced legislative process, regardless of your professional or personal role.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nevada-bh-pre-legislative-session-webinar-series-3934713

Community Law Day for Young Adults with Disabilities & Seniors
2025-01-25 10:00 - 15:00 | East Las Vegas Library, 2851 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89101, United States
Legal Aid Center and its community partners invite you to a workshop reflecting the themes of “Supporting Independence in Young Adults with Disabilities” and “Avoiding Court Interventions as You Age.” Experienced attorneys will explain options to avoid guardianship and court control of your life as a senior or as a young adult with disabilities or autism.
After the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with an attorney for a free consultation about any of the following:

Creating a power of attorney
Adult guardianship
Alternatives to guardianship
Options for young adults with disabilities
Housing and other related issues
Debt and other related issues

In addition to this workshop, Legal Aid Center and the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV offer a free guardianship class that you can attend online or in-person. Click here for details.

Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Use in Older Adults and Beyond
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Free Web-Based Training
According to the National Institute of Health, rates of problematic opioid use are increasing in the older adult population. Problematic opioid use rates will continue to rise over the next decade because of increased number of comorbid conditions conferring greater and specific risks and treatment considerations. Although problematic opioid use is a common occurrence, it is also overlooked and undertreated.
Comagine Health is working to do its part in combatting the epidemic by welcoming Dr. Melissa Cheng, clinical medical director at Comagine Health and subject matter expert, to present this learning session that will shed light on:

Demographics of older adults in the U.S.
Opioid use and the risks involved
How to identify an opioid use disorder
Treatment and barriers to care
Screening for opioid use disorder with the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Tool

Date: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 12 – 1 p.m. PT
Who May Participate: Primary care providers, nurses, medical students, educators and anyone interested in the topic is welcome to attend.
Presenter: Dr. Melissa Cheng Dr. Melissa Cheng is board certified in addiction medicine and occupational medicine. She is one of the clinical medical directors at Comagine Health and focuses on improving access and quality treatment for substance use disorders. She also works to improve education and awareness about addiction for health professionals and in the community. Dr. Cheng is also an associate professor at the University of Utah where she has an active practice in addiction medicine and teaches addiction studies to medical students, nursing students, physician assistant students and medical residents.
For any questions regarding the session, please contact Edy Taylor at etaylor@comagine.org.
Register Here
Download PDF Flyer

Nevada’s Behavioral Health Workforce Data Overview
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on Monday, January 27, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series.
Elyse Monroy, Government Affairs Manager for Cartwright NV Government Affairs, will present a toolkit for advocacy developed in partnership with the Nevada Public Health Association (NPHA). Attendees will learn the difference between providing education, advocacy, and lobbying, and how to navigate the fast-paced legislative process, regardless of your professional or personal role.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nevadas-behavioral-health-workforce-data-overview-tickets-1205784667399?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Statewide Opioid and Substance Use System Update: Future State Programs
2025-01-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
This webinar series aims to give attendees a current snapshot of Nevada’s behavioral health infrastructure, plans, funding, and resources in anticipation of the 2025 session of the Nevada Legislature.

Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on Friday, January 17, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series. Staff (TBA) from the Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention at the Nevada DHHS Division of Public and Behavioral Health, will be guiding participants through upcoming plans to address prevention, treatment, and recovery programs for persons misusing substances, including opioids.
This is the third webinar related to substance use disorder in this series. Webinars are recorded and will be posted for later viewing.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nevada-bh-pre-legislative-session-webinar-series-3934713

Statewide Opioid and Substance Use System Update: Current State Programs
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
This webinar series aims to give attendees a current snapshot of Nevada’s behavioral health infrastructure, plans, funding, and resources in anticipation of the 2025 session of the Nevada Legislature.

Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series. Staff (TBA) from the Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention at the Nevada DHHS Division of Public and Behavioral Health, will be guiding participants through current programs being implemented at the state level to address prevention, treatment, and recovery from the use of substances, including opioids.
A subsequent webinar on Friday, January 17th will take a closer look at future plans for programming at the state level, and how professionals and advocates alike can get involved in maximizing the positive impact of these programs.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nevada-bh-pre-legislative-session-webinar-series-3934713

Nevada BH Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series - Statewide Substance Use System Update: Overview of Federal Funding Streams
2025-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
This webinar series aims to give attendees a current snapshot of Nevada’s behavioral health infrastructure, plans, funding, and resources in anticipation of the 2025 session of the Nevada Legislature.

Join the Nevada Public Health Association, the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada, and the Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards on Monday, January 13, 2025 during the lunch hour for this edition of the Nevada Behavioral Health Pre-Legislative Session Webinar Series.
Stephanie Cook, the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and Chief of the Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention at the Nevada DHHS Division of Public and Behavioral Health, will be guiding participants through the various funding streams, their purpose, their limitations, and how these funds are utilized to address prevention, treatment, and recovery programs for persons misusing substances, including opioids.
Subsequent webinars on Wednesday, January 15th, and Friday, January 17th will take a closer look at current programming and plans at the state level.
The purpose of this and other webinars included in this series is to give participants an understanding of current resources and projects related to Nevada’s behavioral health systems going into the legislative session.
Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nevada-bh-pre-legislative-session-webinar-series-3934713

Sex & Gender Minorities Training: Non-Clinical Training Series Unit 1 - Addressing Healthcare Disparities in the LGBTQIA2S+ Community
2025-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Webinar
Topics of Discussion:

Common barriers faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community, including:

Stigma & Discrimination
Lack of Provider Knowledge
Systemic Barriers

Dispelling common misconceptions about the healthcare needs of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Presented by: Jay Cafferata, MA, CDE
Event Details:

Date: January 7th, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Platform: Zoom
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdulgtIEaJInCPrKP21D0oRtT9yHEQ5Sp-B164T9FUCPeBOYQ/viewform

Hosted by: High Sierra AHEC

Address: 639 Isbell Road, Suite 290, Reno, NV 89509
Email: highsierrhaec@gmail.com
Phone: (775) 507-4022

Listening Session #3: Treatment for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder
2024-12-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom Webinar
This listening session will focus on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and its critical role in improving treatment outcomes. The session will explore health care coverage that supports a variety of pain management treatment options.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various medications used for treating opioid use disorder (MOUD), including their mechanisms of action and how they contribute to improved treatment outcomes.
Participants will explore different healthcare coverage options that support a wide range of pain management treatment modalities beyond opioids.
Participants will gain insights into the significance of collaboration among primary care providers, healthcare practitioners, behavioral health care professionals, and addiction treatment center staff in delivering comprehensive and patient-centered care for people who use drugs (PWUD).

Moderator:
Bianca D. McCall, LMFT is a retired professional women’s basketball player. She is an international TED Speaker, and renowned mental health researcher and expert. Bianca is a licensed clinical therapist, with 25 years in Behavioral Health, and 12 years as a Healthcare CEO. In recent years, she has grown significantly in the digital health space, and created a first-of-its-kind social-emotional platform, designed to improve human health span.
For more than a decade, her work and research has been dedicated to psychological (mental) injury prevention and the discovery of innovations addressing existential isolation. Bianca is passionate about leading projects which promote ongoing research in mental injury prevention, integration of technologies, data analytics, and the discovery of culturally and linguistically responsive crisis interventions. Bianca represents Nevada, on national committees and namely the Suicide Prevention Resource Center; designated by SAMHSA, and Steering Committee for the U.S. Department of Public Health and is a contributor to the National Strategies for Suicide Prevention in areas of Clinical Education, Provider Standards, and Technology. Bianca is a subject matter expert, a curriculum developer, and instructor in higher education with the Centers for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), Region 9, housed at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Panelists:
Dr. Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S
Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Intern Supervisor with a Doctorate Degree in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Krista has been working in substance use treatment since 2008 and has developed programming across multi-levels of care through integration and innovative treatment options. Establishing recovery-oriented systems of care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders has been a passion of hers since a young age. Additionally, Krista serves the Las Vegas Recovery community in numerous fashions. She is an active member of several entities throughout the state including the Nevada Governor’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council (SNOAC), and Shine A Light Foundation. She is also planning committee Lead for Recovery Village at Las Vegas PRIDE and Narcan at Night. Krista is a firm believer in all individuals being given fair access to supportive services when trying to find balance in their wellness journey.
Kim Nischik, PA-C
Kim Nischik is a board-certified Physician Assistant with nearly two decades of clinical experience spanning addiction medicine, women’s health, and primary care. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Kim developed a deep appreciation for community-focused care early in life. She completed her undergraduate studies at Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, and later achieved a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University in Oregon.
Currently serving as the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Medical Program Co-Coordinator at Northern Nevada HOPES, Kim provides leadership in program development, staff mentorship, and cares for underserved and high-risk populations, including pregnant women and unhoused individuals.
Kim’s expertise extends to substance use disorder treatment, where she applies a harm-reduction model to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. She also serves as a clinical instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and contributes to the academic community as a Project ECHO MAT clinician and subject matter expert.
Outside of her clinical and educational roles, Kim enjoys spending time with family & friends, outdoor activities, DIY projects, and volunteering in the community.
Erik Schoen
For the past 32 years, Erik Schoen has endeavored to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to not only survive but thrive. Whether through supervising, mentoring, and teaching the newer generation of health and human services workers; through serving on and leading a variety of state boards, nonprofits, and initiatives with similar areas of focus; through advocating and coordinating important changes at the legislative level; or, through considerable time spent building bridges and joining hands with other providers, Erik has dedicated his life’s work to this effort.
Currently, Erik serves as the CEO of Community Chest where he has worked for more than 29 years. Since Erik assumed the leadership position six years ago, the agency has more than doubled in size and now actively provides a variety of integrated health and human services directly to six rural Nevada counties, and indirectly to another handful. He currently serves on several local, regional, and statewide boards that have as their primary focus the building of needed health and human services infrastructure. In 2023, he was awarded the “Administrator of the Year” award by the Human Services Network, a coalition of health and human services providers from throughout Northern Nevada.
He is proud to have been a licensed mental health and substance use provider for more than three decades. He is the coauthor of Essentials of Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 th Edition, and he is now into his second decade of teaching the culminating class in the addictions minor at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Kayla Shannon, LCSW, LCADC
Kayla Shannon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and 200 hour trained yoga instructor. Kayla was raised in Sparks, NV and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Social Work. Kayla then earned a Master of Social Work with a concentration in clinical behavioral health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kayla’s professional experience as a LCSW has included providing individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings.
Currently, Kayla works as the behavioral health MAT coordinator and therapist in the MAT program at Northern Nevada HOPES. The integrated clinic utilizes a harm reduction and client centered approach. Kayla and her team work with adults with Alcohol and/or Opioid Use Disorder to provide wrap around services by combining the use of MAT medications and behavioral health services. Kayla specializes in addressing trauma and substance use addiction. Kayla’s hope is to provide a safe and collaborative environment to address client’s goals and support them in their healing process.

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.

Community Conversations: Preventing Opioid Overdose and Supporting Recovery
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Community Youth Center, 111 N Reservation Rd., McDermitt, Nevada, 83421
This hands-on workshop is for the Fort McDermitt community, focusing on practical ways to prevent opioid overdoses, have open conversations about the risks of opioids, and provide long-term support for those in recovery. The session aims to strengthen families and empower the community to address opioid challenges together.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the importance of overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) to prevent opioid fatalities.
Learn how to effectively talk to family and friends about opioids and overdose risks
Explore available long-term recovery supports for individuals affected by opioid use disorder.

Presented by: Alejandro Esquibel, LMFT; Mark Disselkoen, MSSW, LCSW, LCADC; and Jonathan Lowery
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.

Rural Nevada Community Health Fair
2024-11-01 14:00 - 18:00 | Goldfield School Gym, 233 Ramsey, Goldfield, NV, 89013, United States
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:

Nevada Department of Veterans Services
Office of Suicide Prevention Nevada
Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Mobile crisis unit
Overdose Education & Naloxone Information
Mercy Air Medical Transport
MOBEX
and MORE!

Free Rides for Seniors!
If you are interested in utilizing the free services of Senior Transportation, please contact 775-485-6304 by October 25th.
Download Event Flyer: Rural Health Fair Flyer (8.5 x 11 in)

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Basics
2024-10-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Webinar
Learning Objectives:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), including their benefits and applications in treating opioid addiction.
Explore the specific medications used in MOUD, including Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone, and how they are implemented in opioid addiction treatment.
Learn effective methods for engaging with clients about their opioid use and educating them on available treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Utilize the Stages of Change framework to assess and determine client readiness for substance use treatment.
Discuss evidence-based treatment options for clients with polysubstance use disorders, focusing on substances such as alcohol and cocaine

Presented by: Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S
Krista Hales is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Intern Supervisor with a Doctorate Degree in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Krista has been working in substance use treatment since 2008 and has developed programming across multi-levels of care through integration and innovative treatment options. Establishing recovery-oriented systems of care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders has been a passion of hers since a young age. Additionally, Krista serves the Las Vegas Recovery community in numerous fashions. She is an active member of several entities throughout the state including the Nevada Governor’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council (SNOAC), and Shine A Light Foundation. She is also planning committee Lead for Recovery Village at Las Vegas PRIDE and Narcan at Night. Krista is a firm believer in all individuals being given fair access to supportive services when trying to find balance in their wellness journey.
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.

Northern Nevada Rx Drug Take Back
2024-10-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Multiple Locations
Join Together Northern Nevada is partnering with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, the DEA, and various community organizations to host the semi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back!
This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription medications, including:

Prescription liquids
Pet medications
Over-the-counter pills

Please note that the Rx Drug Take Back Locations will NOT accept sharps, including epipens.
Please visit the following locations to properly dispose of your sharps:

Northern Nevada HOPES – Change Point
Washoe County Sheriffs Office

Proper disposal helps protect teens, children, pets, and the environment! Don’t miss this chance to make a positive impact on your community!
Download & Share Flyers

An Overview of Opioid Use: Recent Trends, Emerging Substances and Strategies for Providers: LIVE WEBINAR
2024-10-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom Webinar
This one-hour webinar will provide an overview of emerging opioids and related substances. Communities need to be prepared for emerging substances and how they can impact the response to opioid overdose. The session will begin with a description of opioid trends and emerging substances such as xylazine and nitazines, including mechanisms of action and acute health effects when substances are combined. The presentation will incorporate a discussion on how to implement effective approaches for emerging substances and strategies for overcoming barriers.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation participants should be able to:

Identify two emerging substances and their impacts on managing Opioid Use Disorders
Describe three types of harm caused by opioids and emerging substance use, both in short- and long-term contexts
Integrate three prevention tools and strategies to manage Opioid Use Disorders within participants’ communities

Presented by: Andrew Kurtz, MA, LMFT
Andrew Kurtz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been a Clinical Specialist with UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs since 2014 and is the Director of UCLA ISAP’s Pacific Mental Health Awareness Training project. Mr. Kurtz has previously served as a program director in community mental health, specializing in optimizing access to integrated services through a same-day assessment center. He has served as the lead of a nationally-recognized Trauma-Informed Care implementation that provided staff trainings and program design assistance to improve trauma services, including developing a one-of-a-kind wellness center focused on reducing barriers to accessing care for individuals exposed to traumatic events. Mr. Kurtz has been the instructor for the Fieldwork Practicum course in UCLA Extension’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate Program since 2017. Mr. Kurtz has a background in research on cognitive and behavioral interventions for the treatment of first-episode schizophrenia diagnoses.
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.

2024 Southern Nevada Diversity Summit
2024-10-04 08:00 - 17:00 | In-Person & Online, Nevada State University, 1300 Nevada State Dr., Henderson, 89002
Registration is now open for the 2024 Southern Nevada Diversity Summit to be held on Friday, October 4th at Nevada State University! The Southern Nevada Diversity Summit is a System-wide collaboration that provides annual professional development opportunities to learn about social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. This event is free of charge and all faculty, staff, students, and community sponsors are invited to attend. The event is planned by a site and liaison committee made up of members from across NSHE.
This year’s theme, Good Trouble: Advancing the Legacies of Diversity & Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Era, is an invitation to our community to have critical dialogues as we get into “good trouble, necessary trouble” for the future of diversity, equity, & inclusion work in our state and nation.
In-Person Registration: Due to limited seating, in-person registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to NSHE faculty, staff, students & sponsoring community partners. Advanced registration is required. On-site/walk-up registration will not be available. Sponsoring community partners have been provided an affiliate code for registration.
Online/Virtual Registration: Featured sessions will be livestreamed online. Online registration is available to the public to participate virtually. Online registration is required to access livestreamed featured sessions. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your access code.
Visit the website for more info & to register: www.nevadastate.edu/sndiversitysummit
Participants will receive a confirmation email once they register. For questions, please email diversitysummit@nevadastate.edu.

Project ECHO Pain Management
2024-09-18 08:00 - 09:00 | Zoom Meeting
First and Third Wednesdays of each month | 8–9 am
This clinic is a forum guided by a Pain Management Physician, a Pain Management Psychologist, and a Mental Health and Addiction Specialist. The clinic offers an opportunity to present and discuss patients in your clinic with pain. Learn how to assess and manage your patients with pain through a variety of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities. Learn best practice approaches to minimizing the risk of addiction.
