In this episode of The NOCE Dose podcast, host Bianca D. McCall engages with Bethany Wilkins, Education and Advocacy Committee Chair for Northern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance and a leader in harm reduction efforts in Nevada. They discuss the profound impact of lived experience in the field, the challenges of navigating grief and loss, and the importance of self-care and boundaries for those working in high-stress environments. The conversation also explores the complexities of identity within harm reduction work, the necessity of building relationships in rural communities, and the critical need for sustainability in harm reduction initiatives. Bethany shares her insights on how to effectively collaborate with rural areas and the importance of humility and community engagement in these efforts.
Guest:
Bethany Wilkins is a seasoned expert in rural harm reduction with over a decade of personal recovery and professional experience. She founded Nevada County’s first Syringe Service Program (SSP) in 2020 and has spent over ten years practicing harm reduction, including five years in street-based outreach and public health. Starting her Masters in Public Health in 2025, Bethany focuses on evidence-based methods to reduce the harms of substance use and improve access to care and education in underserved areas. Her work spans policy and program development, innovative treatment models, and community outreach. Bethany has also served as an advisor for Nevada County Public Health’s AOD department and Nevada County Mental Health and Substance Use Advisory Board, and she serves as Education and Advocacy Chair for Northern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance. Known for her dedication and advocacy, she continues to influence policy and practice, striving to create a more compassionate and practical approach to drug use.
