The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE)

The Impact of Compassion Fatigue in Peer Support Work: Workforce Multiplier Series
2026-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual Event
Compassion Fatigue is real and prevalent for those working in the human services field or any other role that is focused on caring for others. It is now considered an organizational contagion. Its insidious quality can corrode the individual’s emotional, mental, and physical health. It also can destroy relationships, family, and career. If compassion fatigue is not recognized and addressed, it can lead to complete burnout. This training is essential for anyone working with vulnerable populations. Many people who have chosen to work in this field have experiential expertise in trauma. This elevates the probability of developing compassion fatigue. Compassion Fatigue can be detrimental to their emotional, physical, and mental health. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and solutions to keep you healthy and balanced while you help others. Don’t let the “cost of caring” take away the very reason you came into this field.
For more information and registration.
Program provided by the Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) with support from ORN.

Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Office Hours
2026-06-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
The Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team will host their monthly office hours on Friday, June 26th 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)
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.

Coordinating Care for Adolescents: Integrating MOUD and Mental Health Treatment in Pediatric Practice
2026-06-26 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual Event
This session is part of AAP’s Practical Guidance from Pediatricians: Treating Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents. It will focus on practical strategies for integrating medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment and mental health care for adolescents within pediatric settings. Experts will share evidence-based approaches for building interprofessional teams, improving care coordination, and enhancing treatment adherence and outcomes.
For more information and registration.
Program provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics with support from ORN.

Prevención del Suicidio 101, en español / Spanish Suicide Prevention 101 Training
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:30 | 10315 Professional Circle, Reno NV, 10315 Professional Circle, Reno, NV, United States
Los objetivos del entrenamiento Prevención del Suicidio 101 son aprender más sobre el suicidio, reconocer las señales de advertencia, identificar los factores de riesgo y de protección, y saber cómo ayudar a una persona en riesgo.
Este taller también ofrece orientación sobre cómo apoyar a los sobrevivientes y brinda información sobre recursos de apoyo.
Esta clase está financiada por la Oficina de Prevención del Suicidio de Nevada, Hometown Health, y Life is Worth It organización.
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The objectives of Suicide Prevention 101 Training Program are to increase one’s knowledge, understanding of suicide, recognize warning signs, identify risk and protective factors, increase willingness and ability to intervene with a person at risk for suicide. This training will provide insight for interacting with survivors and identify referral resources.
This class is funded through a partnership with Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, Hometown Health, and Life is Worth It organization.

Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Evelyn Mount Community Center, 1301 Valley Road, Rawhide Room, Reno, NV, 89512, 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

Creating Moments of Calm for Individuals Impacted by Opioid Use Disorder
2026-06-22 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
Join the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for their 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 support the mind, body and emotions by establishing a sense of stability and groundedness. 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.

The Deadly Intersection of Heat and Overdose: Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat, Substance Use, and Overdose Risk
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
As temperatures rise across Nevada, so does the risk of overdose. This webinar explores the dangerous intersection of extreme heat and substance use, examining how high temperatures can intensify the effects of opioids and stimulants and increase the risk of overdose, overamping, and death.
Presenters Brandon Delise, MPH, CIC, and Taylor Lensch, Ph.D., MPH, bring epidemiological expertise and local Nevada data to this important conversation. Attendees will learn how heat physiologically interacts with substances in the body, explore seasonal and geographic overdose patterns, and leave with practical strategies for recognizing warning signs and reducing risk during extreme heat events.
Learning Objectives:

Describe how extreme heat physiologically interacts with opioids and stimulants to increase the risk of overdose, overamping, and mortality.
Identify temporal, seasonal, and geographic patterns associated with overdose mortality during periods of extreme heat in Clark County, Nevada.
Understand strategies that individuals and organizations can use to recognize warning signs and reduce risk during extreme heat events.

Presented by:

Brandon Delise, MPH, CIC, is a Sr. Epidemiologist at the Southern Nevada Health District, where he has worked since 2018 leading efforts to monitor, develop, and enhance surveillance systems related to drug overdose and emergency medical services (EMS). Prior to his role as an Epidemiologist, Brandon served as a Disease Investigation & Intervention Specialist at the Southern Nevada Health District. He earned his Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Edinburgh and holds Certification in Infection Control (CIC). His research interests include injury epidemiology, trauma, substance use, opioid overdose prevention, and public health surveillance.
Taylor Lensch, Ph.D., MPH, has a comprehensive background in public health, with expertise in epidemiology, population-based survey research, evaluation, community engagement, and advanced data analysis. He currently serves as Data Analytics Manager of the Larson Institute for Health Impact and Equity and collaborates with federal, state, local, and community partners to conduct community-engaged research, needs assessments, and evaluations on issues such as substance use, childhood adversity, HIV/STDs, sexual and gender minority health, and health equity. Dr. Lensch and his team work closely with diverse governmental and community stakeholders to develop key health-related plans and reports, including the 2022 – 2026 Nevada HIV Integrated Prevention and Care Plan, the Nevada Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, Outbreak Response Plans, various needs assessment reports, and monthly and annual Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) reports. His research interests focus on modifiable risk and protective factors linked to behavioral outcomes such as substance use, emotional health, violence, and risky sexual behaviors. Dr. Lensch has published research in high impact public health journals, including Preventive Medicine, Journal of Adolescent Health, and Public Health.

Continuing Education Units: 1 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)
Prevention

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.

Tribal MAT ECHO Clinic
2026-06-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
A one-hour clinic will be held every third Tuesday from 12-1pm (PT). The purpose of the monthly Tribal MAT ECHO® Clinic is to support health care providers in Native communities across California to improve the delivery of evidence based treatment for opioid and stimulant use disorders. The Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO®) model is a distance learning method that links specialists at academic medical centers with primary care clinicians in local communities. Each clinic begins with a presentation on a topic relevant to the delivery of opioid and/or stimulant use disorder treatment and features a facilitated discussion of a case or clinical question. Attendees are encouraged to bring complex patient cases and clinical questions for peer-to-peer discussion with input and consultation experts. CEs and CMEs available for certified and licensed participants. This project is part of the UCLA Opioid and Stimulant Implementation Support-Training and Technical Assistance (OASIS-TTA) Program.

Featured Facilitators and Experts:

Heather Momberg, DNP RN
Daniel Dickerson, DO, MPH
Katya Adachi Serrano, MD
Katie Bell, MSN, RN-BC
Albert G. Titman Sr. CADCII

Date & Time

Apr 21, 2026 12:00 PM
May 19, 2026 12:00 PM
Jun 16, 2026 12:00 PM
Jul 21, 2026 12:00 PM

Nevada Opioid and Overdose Data Training - Navigating National Overdose Data Dashboards
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
The Nevada Overdose Data to Action Program (OD2A) will be hosting the third of four data-related trainings on June 11 from 12:00-1:00 PM. This data training will provide an overview of several national overdose-related data dashboards and tools, including how to access, interpret, and apply these data resources to support prevention, response, planning, and public health efforts in Nevada. Anyone interested in overdose surveillance, prevention, behavioral health, public health data, or community response efforts is encouraged to attend and share this opportunity with colleagues and partners who may be interested.

About Overdose Data to Action (OD2A)?
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.

Preventing Suicide Among American Indian and Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Webinar Learning Series - From the Field - Approaches to Preventing Veteran Suicide in Tribal Communities
2026-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people have a proud and exemplary tradition of military service, consistently serving at one of the highest per-capita rates of any ethnic group in the United States. This dedication and sacrifice, however, have come at a significant cost. According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data, AIAN Veterans are among the groups most heavily impacted by suicide.
To address this urgent issue, the VA has partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to host a webinar learning series, bringing together champions for the health and well-being of AIAN Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) for a dedicated time of learning, sharing, and collaboration.

March 12th – Session 1: The Healing Power of Stories – Digital Storytelling with Veterans
April 9th – Session 2: Understanding the Need: Insights from Rural and Urban Data
May 14th – Session 3: Someone to call – A Lifeline for Indigenous People
June 11th – Session 4: From the Field – Approaches to Preventing Veteran Suicide in Tribal Communities

DEA Tribal Community Outreach
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
This webinar explores how healthcare providers and community partners can engage with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day initiative and leverage DEA’s free outreach resources to address the opioid epidemic. With a focus on Tribal inclusion, presenters will highlight opportunities to collaborate with DEA in developing culturally responsive prevention materials for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Participants will leave with practical knowledge of available tools, partnership pathways, and strategies for supporting Tribal-focused opioid response efforts.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn about how to get involved in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative
Participants will learn about how to get use DEA’s free outreach resources and materials
Participants will learn how they can partner with DEA to address the opioid epidemic through partnerships in developing Tribal focused drug prevention materials.

Presented by:
Naomi A. Lane, MPH, an enrolled member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, is Towering House and born for Deer Springs. Ms. Lane is a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington where she earned her degrees in public health. Naomi is passionate about advancing interdisciplinary and collaborative partnerships to help reduce opioid overdoses and poisonings in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Ms. Lane joined the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Field Division in 2021 under the Operation Engage-Albuquerque initiative, with a sole focus on addressing Tribal inclusion efforts. Since 2024, Naomi has served as a Tribal Community Outreach Specialist within the DEA Office of Congressional and Public Affairs.
Francesca Villarreal, MBA, MSW, ACSW (Osage, Quapaw) is a Tribal Opioid Response Technology Transfer Specialist (ICRT TTS) for the Opioid Response Network (ORN), serving the Tribal Southwest Region. In this role, she supports Tribal and Native-serving communities across California, Arizona, Nevada, and the Pacific Islands by coordinating culturally responsive training and technical assistance to address substance use and behavioral health needs.
Her background is in clinical social work, with a focus on providing integrative care grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Francesca brings experience in program coordination, training development, and cross-system collaboration, and is dedicated to strengthening access to culturally grounded and evidence-based resources. She is passionate about uplifting Indigenous voices and supporting sustainable, community-driven pathways to healing.
Continuing Education Units: 1 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)
Prevention
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.

The Indian Country Adolescent Health ECHO
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-13 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.

Native-Centered Community Overdose Training
2026-06-09 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 June 9, July 14, 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 Relative Benefits and Risks of Kratom Derived Products
2026-06-09 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.
This informative webinar will examine the relative benefits and risks of kratom-derived products. This session will provide an overview of natural leaf kratom, mitragynine extracts, and isolated synthetic compounds (7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15/16), compare their pharmacologic profiles with traditional opioids, review available clinical and anecdotal data on potential risks and benefits, and discuss regulatory strategies aimed at reducing public health harms while preserving access to natural leaf kratom.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the three different types of kratom derived products (natural leaf, mitragynine extracts, and isolated synthetics (7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15/16)
Compare and contrast the pharmacologic similarities and differences between kratom derived products and with traditional opioids
Describe the clinical trial and descriptive (anecdotal) data on kratom derived products to determine the potential risks and benefits
Describe a regulatory approach to reduce public health risk but maintain access to natural leaf kratom

Presenter(s):

Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP

1 CE Credit (1.0 hour):

CME pending
MCBAP
Social Work
Meets DEA Training Requirements

Harm Reduction Doulas
2026-06-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Across the country, overdose and suicide are among the leading causes of maternal mortality. Yet evidence shows that if just one support factor had been different, like a doula, many of those deaths would have been preventable.
For the past year, journalists Celeste Hamilton Dennis and Florence Middleton have been reporting a story about harm reduction doulas in Seattle with support from the Pulitzer Center.
This webinar brings together three people from the story:

Ash Woods, co-founder of the Harm Reduction Doula Collective
Destiny, childbirth educator and parent with lived experience of substance use who worked with a harm reduction doula
Collin Schenk, medical director at Swedish Addiction Recovery Services

We hope this conversation sheds light on what harm reduction doulas do, why more are needed, how you can support pregnant folks who use substances, and what other resources are out there for this community. Please join us! And please spread the word. Here is a link to a shareable flyer: https://shrty.dev/doulas

Navigating Ethics: Ethical Practices in the Age of AI
2026-05-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Tuscany Suites and Casino, 255 E Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89169, United States
The Department of Social Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Nevada Public Health Foundation (NPHF), will host its 2026 annual conference on May 27, 2026 at Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Navigating Ethics: Ethical Practices in the Age of AI, is this years annual conference theme dedicated to exploring one of the most critical and rapidly evolving issues facing today’s professionals. This year’s event will feature dynamic speakers (including NOCE’s Bianca D. McCall), who will examine the ethical implications, challenges, and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence across practice settings. As AI continues to shape decision-making and service delivery, understanding how to apply ethical principles has never been more important. Attendees will gain timely insights, engage in meaningful discussion, and earn ethics CEUs. This is an essential conference you won’t want to miss.
For more information and registration visit: https://nevadapublichealthfoundation.org/2026-dwss-annual-conference
Contact samantha@nphf.org with any questions.

AI Toolkit for Peer Recovery Support Specialists: From Anxiety to Empowerment
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how organizations operate and peer recovery support is no exception. But most AI training isn’t built for the peer workforce. This 90-minute webinar changes that. Designed specifically for peer recovery support specialists and peer organization staff, this session demystifies generative AI through a peer values lens, teaches a practical prompting framework you can use immediately, and equips you with the safety knowledge to protect the people you serve. You’ll leave with concrete skills for using AI to reduce administrative burden, strengthen your peer voice in written materials, and safeguard confidentiality; all while keeping the human connection at the center of everything you do. No prior AI experience required.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:

Describe what generative AI is and how it works using accessible, peer-centered language, and distinguish between augmentation (empowering peers) and automation (replacing peers).
Apply the PREP prompting framework (Persona, Recipient, Exact Task, Parameters) to generate recovery-aligned written content for administrative, outreach, and organizational tasks.
Demonstrate the Peer Voice Editing process to review and refine AI-generated outputs for person-first language, cultural responsiveness, and alignment with peer recovery values.
Identify data safety boundaries for AI use in peer settings, including what information must never be entered into a public AI tool, with attention to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 protections.

Presented by: Robert D. Ashford, PhD, MSW

Benzodiazepines 101: Facts, Myths, and Safety
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.
This session is designed to clarify the role of benzodiazepines in modern clinical practice. Participants will review core pharmacology and appropriate indications, examine common misconceptions, and assess key risks such as tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and drug–drug interactions. The session will also emphasize safety-focused strategies for prescribing, monitoring, and tapering benzodiazepines to support informed, responsible, and patient-centered care.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the pharmacology, indications, and evidence-based role of benzodiazepines in clinical practice.
Evaluate risks including tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and drug–drug interactions.
Implement safety-focused strategies for prescribing, monitoring, and tapering benzodiazepines.

Presenter(s):

Elizabeth Hoffman, MD

1 CE Credit (1.0 hour):

CME
MCBAP
Social Work
Meets DEA Training Requirements

Alcohol & Substance Use in Community Health: Screening, Prevention, and Intervention Skills for Community Health Workers and Other Health Professionals
2026-05-21 09:00 - 12:00 | University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (Clark County-Las Vegas Office), 8050 S. Paradise Road, Las Vegas, 89123, United States
This interactive in-person three-hour workshop equips Community Health Workers and other frontline healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to unhealthy alcohol and substance use in their service settings. Designed for primary care, behavioral health, and community-based environments, the training blends foundational education with hands-on practice using validated screening tools and evidence-based brief intervention strategies. Participants will gain experience applying Motivational Interviewing informed techniques, supporting patients through behavior change conversations, and navigating systemic barriers that impact access to care. The workshop also addresses stigma, equity considerations, and practical approaches for strengthening referral pathways and community connections. By the end of the session, Community Health Workers will leave with increased confidence and concrete skills they can immediately integrate into their day-to-day work with individuals and families.
Learning Outcomes:

Describe the spectrum, patterns, and consequences of unhealthy alcohol and substance use in community health settings and explain how social determinants and systemic inequities influence risk and access to care.

Identify and use appropriate screening approaches and effectively communicate results using culturally responsive, non-stigmatizing language that supports patient trust and engagement.

Demonstrate foundational skills for Motivational Interviewing informed brief interventions to support behavior change.

Identify opportunities to integrate prevention, brief intervention, and intervention strategies into CHW workflows, applying practical stigma reduction techniques and leveraging community resources to connect patients with ongoing support.

Continuing Education Units: 3 CEU / This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
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.

Funding for this activity was made possible in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director’s Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

Supporting Behavioral Health Providers: Creating Postvention Strategies for Healing After Losing a Client to Suicide or Overdose
2026-05-20 11:00 - 13:00
A film and discussion exploring the emotional impact of suicide and overdose loss and the path to healing for providers.

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

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

Presented by: Bianca D. McCall, LMFT
Bianca D. McCall, LMFT is a retired professional women’s basketball player. She is an international TED Speaker, and renowned mental health researcher and expert. Bianca is a licensed clinical therapist, with 25 years in Behavioral Health, and 12 years as a Healthcare CEO. In recent years, she has grown significantly in the digital health space, and created a first-of-its-kind social-emotional platform, designed to improve human health span.
For more than a decade, her work and research has been dedicated to psychological (mental) injury prevention and the discovery of innovations addressing existential isolation. Bianca is passionate about leading projects which promote ongoing research in mental injury prevention, integration of technologies, data analytics, and the discovery of culturally and linguistically responsive crisis interventions. Bianca represents Nevada, on national committees and namely the Suicide Prevention Resource Center; designated by SAMHSA, and Steering Committee for the U.S. Department of Public Health and is a contributor to the National Strategies for Suicide Prevention in areas of Clinical Education, Provider Standards, and Technology. Bianca is a subject matter expert, a curriculum developer, and instructor in higher education with the Centers for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), Region 9, housed at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Units: 2 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
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)
Prevention
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.

Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
2026-05-19 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.
Location: Reno City Hall – Council Chambers 1 E. 1 Street st Reno, NV 89501 (Entrance on 1 floor off Virginia St. st Free parking in garage next to City Hall.)
DATES: APRIL 16, 2026 MAY 19, 2026 AUGUST 20, 2026 OCTOBER 15, 2026 6:00-7:30PM
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: Resilience flyer-2026

Listening Session - Digital Frontiers, Peers & Lived Experience: Leveraging AI and Tech in the Behavioral Health Workforce
2026-05-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
This Listening Session explores the rapidly evolving intersection of high-tech innovation and the deeply personal landscape of recovery. As behavioral health systems increasingly look toward high-tech solutions for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) prevention and treatment, this session explores how technology is no longer just a tool for communication but a primary intervention. Participants will engage with app developers and AI researchers to examine how machine learning models that are trained on the nuanced behavioral data of lived experience communities are being leveraged to predict recovery trajectories and provide real-time support.
Attendees will explore the practicalities and ethical nuances of “automated empathy,” including the use of GPS geofencing to activate supportive nudges in high-risk locations and Virtual Reality (VR) environments designed for cue-exposure therapy and de-escalation training. The session will facilitate a dialogue on whether these advancements strengthen the provider-client bond or create new barriers to authentic connection. Grounded in the goal of sustainable work-life integration for the workforce, participants will leave with a sophisticated understanding of how to integrate emerging technologies into traditional workflows without compromising safety, ethics, and human-centered approaches.
Learning Objectives:

Evaluate the efficacy and ethics of AI training models built on behavioral data from lived experience communities, focusing on how algorithms can accurately reflect the voice of the recovery population.
Analyze the utility of geospatial technology (GPS geofencing) and wearable devices in providing real-time, low-barrier support for OUD prevention and relapse mitigation.
Identify opportunities for Virtual Reality (VR) and immersive technologies to enhance provider training, clinical supervision, and client skill-building in high-risk environments.
Discuss the ethical implications of data privacy, digital surveillance, and the potential for depersonalization when leveraging technology within the behavioral health workforce.

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:

Mark Lambert, LightHouseXR
Mark Lambert is a Co-Founder of Lighthouse XR and the creative director of The Retreat, a VRbased psychoeducational program for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Over the past six years, Lambert has led the design, development, and multi-site deployment of The Retreat in a collaboration with the Veterans Health Administration, implementing residential, outpatient, and at-home care models. A co-author on multiple peer-reviewed studies, Lambert’s research focuses on feasibility, user-centered design, and engagement outcomes for VR in SUD treatment.
Mark has been on the leading edge of visual and spatial technology for 40 years. After creating groundbreaking computer graphics software in the ‘80s, he moved on to work with Hollywood and has contributed to over 30 feature films. At Sony Pictures, Mark headed up large “visual development” divisions creating the worlds for Harry Potter, Narnia and Polar Express. In 2015, he moved into virtual reality, creating VR experiences for companies such as PWC, PBS, Toyota, and AARP and directed projects from PBS documentaries to an endangered species series for the Dubai Aquarium. Lambert’s work is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience with the impact of addiction on family members, driving his commitment to creating effective, engaging SUD programs.
Morris Jackson II, ECQO
Morris Jackson is a strategic advisor and subject matter expert on innovation, systems-building, and the responsible use of emerging technology in human-centered environments. In connection with ECQO’s work, he brings a practical perspective on how AI, digital tools, and operational strategy can strengthen workforce capacity, expand access, and improve service delivery without losing the importance of trust, ethics, and authentic human connection. His perspective is grounded in hands-on leadership building technology-enabled, community-centered environments through Valhallan / XP League esports training academy, where he works at the intersection of youth engagement, digital community-building, structured competition, and human development. That experience has given him practical insight into how digital platforms can shape behavior, accountability, belonging, communication, and real-world outcomes when paired with strong leadership and intentional systems design.This perspective makes him a strong contributor to conversations about how emerging technologies can support human connection, skill-building, and responsible engagement without compromising safety, ethics, or authentic relationships, exactly the tension at the center of the NOCE listening session.
Robert D. Ashford, PhD, MSW
Robert Ashford is a recovery scientist focused on substance use, recovery communities, recovery support services and institutions, integrated behavioral health systems, linguistic patterns, and technological interventions for behavioral health disorders. Dr. Ashford received a doctorate in Health Policy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and also holds a Bachelor of Social Work with minors in Addiction Studies and Psychology from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2)
Sam DeMello, Founder & CEO, Evive, Digital Health Innovator, Community Advocate
Sam DeMello is a technology leader and digital health entrepreneur transforming gambling harm reduction through innovative, user-centric solutions. As founder and CEO of Evive, Sam brings a unique combination of personal lived experience through his own recovery from gambling addiction and a technology-first approach to addressing one of the most overlooked public health challenges facing the United States today.

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)
Prevention

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.

Inter Tribal Council Public Health Working Group - Maternal Health
2026-05-19 | Casino del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85757, United States
The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center (ITCA TEC) would like to invite you to the upcoming Public Health Working Group.
This upcoming session will focus on maternal health.
Registration is open to Tribes and public health workers within the Phoenix and Tucson IHS Service Areas (AZ, NV, UT).
Travel reimbursement available for tribal members and employees up to government rates.

Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Office Hours
2026-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
The Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team will host their monthly office hours on Friday, May 15th 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)
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.

Emerging Drug Trends in the Pacific Southwest: The Latest Trends Among Established Substances
2026-05-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
Webinar Series Description and Learning Objectives:
The substance use landscape is ever changing. While these changes can involve the emergence of new substances— they can also involve new patterns and trends in substances long-familiar to your communities. Responding to these changes may mean that existing prevention services require adjustments or shifts in focus. This webinar is the fourth in a four-part series on emerging drug trends in the Pacific Southwest region. It will cover the latest data on alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, illicit opioids, illicit stimulants, and illicit hallucinogens. The webinar will also review the latest data on co-occurring behavioral health disorders and lack of access to services. It will also explore the potential impacts of these trends on existing prevention efforts and provide recommendations for ensuring timely and relevant services.
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

Identify the latest trends in alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drug misuse.
Identify the latest trends among well-known illicit drugs.
Identify the latest trends in co-occurring behavioral health disorders and concerns.
Recognize the impacts of these trends on current prevention services.

Who Should Participate:
Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in the Pacific Southwest region, including American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.
Presenters:
Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional PTTCs, the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, and the Central East ATTC and MHTTC.
Olivia Stuart, LMSW is an Associate with Carnevale Associates, LLC. She has provided training and technical assistance (T/TA) through four of SAMHSA’s ten regional PTTCs and the Central East ATTC. In her role, Ms. Stuart has developed dozens of T/TA products including webinars, intensive training events, conference presentations, reports, and fact sheets on a variety of topics across the fields of substance use prevention and behavioral health.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
Dates & Times:
States & American Samoa
May 14, 2026
03:00 p.m. – 04:30 p.m. Pacific and Arizona
12:00 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. Hawaii
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. American Samoa
Pacific Jurisdictions
May 15, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Republic of the Marshall Islands
09:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Pohnpei and Kosrae
08:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Yap
07:00 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. Republic of Palau
(view in your time zone)
Cost:
Free!
Certificates of Attendance:
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for participating in the live webinar session.
To Register:
Click here to register for Emerging Drug Trends in the Pacific Southwest Part 4: The Latest Trends Among Established Substances.
Questions:
Please contact Tyler Dean (tdean@casat.org) for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Audeaneh Saberi (asaberi@casat.org).

Preventing Suicide Among American Indian and Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Webinar Learning Series - Someone to Call - A Lifeline for Indigenous People
2026-05-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event

Medetomidine Impacts on Clinical Management and Systems of Care
2026-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Medetomidine, a highly potent veterinary alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has recently emerged as a significant adulterant within the U.S. illicit opioid supply. This presentation entitled will review the introduction of medetomidine in the U.S. drug supply, the pharmacology and clinical effects of medetomidine, and the distinguishing features of medetomidine toxicity and withdrawal. We will outline emerging treatment strategies emphasizing early, aggressive alpha-2 agonist therapy; nuanced antiemetic approaches; when and how to escalate to IV dexmedetomidine; and approaches to concurrent opioid withdrawal management. Participants will gain insight into diagnostic challenges, observation and disposition considerations, and strategies for system-level preparedness.
For more information and registration.
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.

Washoe County Prevention Conference
2026-05-13 08:00 - 2026-05-14 17:00 | Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S Virginia St,, Reno, NV, 89502, United States
The Washoe County Prevention Conference (WCPC) brings together professionals, educators, and community leaders committed to building healthier, more resilient communities across Nevada. Join us for two impactful days of learning, collaboration, and connection!
WHY ATTEND

Two impactful days of learning and collaboration
Evidence-based prevention strategies
Engaging and interactive workshops
Networking with prevention leaders and partners from across the region

The conference will take place on May 13–14, 2026, at the Atlantis Casino in Reno, Nevada.
CEU Opportunities Available For:

Prevention Professionals
Doulas
School Counselors
Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors
MFT/CPCs
Social Workers
Law Enforcement

WCPC 2025 is an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and contribute to strengthening prevention efforts within the community. Join the movement for positive change!
