Season: Season 1

Episode 7: 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 bruises of life. Having overcome the grip of alcohol and the scars left by addiction, he found clarity and purpose as his mind and body healed. Three years into his sobriety, Donald became acutely aware of the growing issues among the youth in Reno, Nevada—rising overdoses, homelessness, school dropouts, and suicides. Reflecting on the role models and influences

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.

Episode 5: Harm Reduction Revolution: No Shame, Just Safety

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 evolution of harm reduction strategies. As we explore the rising tide of synthetic opioids, we’ll hear firsthand experiences and insights from experts in the field.

Episode 4: The Triple Stigma: Motherhood, Mental Health, and Substance Use Unmasked

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall is joined by Jillian Anderson, MA, MFT, LADC, PMH-C, to discuss the multifaceted challenges surrounding maternal health, particularly in the context of substance use and mental health. They explore the impact of political decisions on healthcare access, the stigma faced by mothers dealing with substance use, and the importance of cultural diversity and socioeconomic factors in providing effective support. The discussion emphasizes the need for community connection, harm reduction strategies, and the significance of addressing adverse childhood experiences to foster healthier family dynamics. Jillian shares her motivations for working in this field and highlights the importance of de-stigmatizing perinatal mental health issues to improve access to care.

Episode 3: Building Bridges: Connecting Care Systems for Opioid Recovery with Angel Lash

In this episode, host Bianca D. McCall interviews Angel Lash, MS, LADC, CPC-I, Coordinator, Nevada 8th Judicial District Court, a mental health professional working within the justice system and leader of the innovative Lima Program in Las Vegas. They discuss Angel’s work in coordinating a program that partners with the Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vegas to help individuals experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health issues. They also discuss the importance of connection, empathy, and representation in serving vulnerable populations. Angel shares insights on how professionals can better serve the chronically unhoused population with substance use and mental health needs, emphasizing the need for communication, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

Episode 2: Silo Busting and Building Connections with Christina Boyd

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca McCall dives into an insightful conversation with Christina Boyd, LSCSW, LCAC, about the power of collaboration in opioid response and behavioral health. Fresh off a NOCE listening session, Christina shares her expertise on motivational interviewing, breaking down professional silos, and the importance of treating the whole person in healthcare. Together, they explore how professionals from diverse fields—judicial, medical, behavioral—must come together to address the complexities of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. From practical advice for professionals to the importance of self-care, this episode offers actionable insights for those committed to improving opioid response and creating lasting change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on community, collaboration, and care.

Episode 1: Prevention and Diversion – Real Stories, Real Impact

Welcome to the debut episode of The NOCE Dose: The Opioid Crisis Unplugged. In this episode, we explore Prevention and Diversion with our esteemed panelists; Angel Lash, Christina Boyd, and Jillian Anderson. This insightful discussion will uncover the personal and professional experiences shaping the landscape of opioid use treatment, prevention, and diversion programs in Nevada.

Episode 0: Introduction to the NOCE Dose

Host Bianca D. McCall introduces The NOCE Dose, offering a sneak peak into Season 1 and the exploration of opioid crisis challenges, solutions, and stories from frontline professionals.