»
»
Episode 6: Rural Roots: Building Trust and Impact in Forgotten Communities

Episode 6: Rural Roots: Building Trust and Impact in Forgotten Communities

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.

Episode Resources:

Recent Episodes

Portrait of Donald Griffin with the NOCE DOCE Podcast Season 1 Episode 7 with the title that reads "Recovery Looks Like Us: Why Representation Matters Matters in Every Community"
Donald Griffin’s journey led him to the last house on Black Wall Street, a symbolic place where he began to heal from the bumps and...
Portrait of Bethany Wilkins with the NOCE DOCE Podcast Season 1 Episode 6 with the title that reads "Rural Roots: Building Trust and Impact in Forgotten Communities with guest Bethany wilkins"
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...
NOCE Dose Episode 5
Join us for a compelling listening session that dives deep into the critical topics of fentanyl test strip education, preparedness for overdose emergencies, and the...

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any advice offered on the podcast is an educational context and is not intended as direct medical advice, nor as a replacement for it. If you are experiencing a medical or life emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273 – 8255.  If you are experiencing stress, and would like professional help please contact your insurance company to identify a therapist in your area or contact the organization you work for and ask about an employee assistance program.