The NOCE Dose: The Opioid Crisis Unplugged

In this conversation, Bianca D. McCall and Darcy Patterson discuss the complexities of substance use disorders, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of community support and advocacy. Darcy shares her personal journey with her daughter's struggles with addiction and her subsequent advocacy work with Wake Up Nevada. The discussion emphasizes the need for education, harm reduction strategies, and the importance of self-care for families affected by substance use. The conversation highlights the transformation from silence to advocacy and the critical role of connection in recovery.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall engages with Katarina Pulver, Health Educator II, Office of Disease Surveillance Division of Disease Surveillance and Control. They discuss the critical role of health educators in bridging the gap between research and practice in harm reduction, the importance of community outreach, and the nuances between activism and advocacy. Katarina shares insights on self-care, preventing burnout, and the significance of representation in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and the importance of meeting individuals where they are in their journey.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall engages with Donald Griffin, a peer recovery support specialist, discussing the complexities of recovery from substance use disorder, particularly within historically and intentionally oppressed communities. They explore personal stories, the impact of culture on recovery, and the role of organizations like Black Wall Street in providing culturally responsive support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of representation, understanding, and collaboration in addressing the opioid crisis and promoting healing. About Donald Griffin 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 that shaped his life, he felt a deep sense of responsibility and fear for the future. Seven years later, Donald’s efforts have resulted in the installation of over 20 Narcan boxes throughout the Reno-Sparks area to combat the opioid crisis. Under his leadership, a youth Peer-to-Peer program has been developed and implemented in Washoe County School District. His organization also hosts suicide prevention, “Stop the Bleed,” and Harm Reduction classes, and provides essential services such as a diaper bank, food pantry, and street outreach team. The list of their contributions continues to grow. As the Co-founder and Director, and a parent himself, Donald is dedicated to ensuring that youth receive the education they need in self-preservation, credit building, vocational skills, home economics, leadership training, and enjoying life while learning to become productive members of society. Above all, his goal is to help them develop a sense of pride in themselves. 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.

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.

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. Learning Objectives: Attendees will develop a comprehensive understanding of overdose emergencies, including recognizing signs and symptoms associated with opioid overdose. Participants will be able to explain the significance and application of harm reduction strategies, including fentanyl test strip  education and distribution. Participants will learn about the evolution of harm reduction practices and be introduced to emerging groups of synthetic opioids, enhancing their preparedness to address overdose emergencies within their communities. This session is designed to enhance your preparedness to tackle overdose emergencies within your community. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and insights that can make a real difference!

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.

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. About Angel Lash, LADC, CPC-Intern, Coordinator, Nevada 8th Judicial District CourtAngel Lash is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Intern in the state of Nevada. Angel has worked in the substance abuse and behavioral health field for over a decade. She currently works under the 8th District Court umbrella as a Specialty Court Specialty coordinating care Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health Addiction Diversion Program (LIMA Diversion Program) a partnership between LVMPD and the 8th Judicial District Court Program. The LIMA Diversion Program provides a voluntary pathway to recovery for individuals suffering from substance abuse issues, homelessness, and/or mental health issues. The LIMA Diversion Program helps move individuals away from the justice system without entering and works to address the individuals, addiction, and mental health challenges by connecting them to community partners to address their layers of needs. Angel and the LIMA Diversion Program has received acknowledgements from the community. In 2021 Angel Lash received an award from a local non-profit as a Community Shining Star and LVMPD Behavioral Health Unit recognized Angel’s exceptional dedication to the success of the LIMA Program. In 2022, Angel and the LIMA Program were nominated for The Is No Hero in Heroin’s community awards for several categories including, Hero of the Year, Boots on the Ground, and Crushing Stigma & Silos, and Angel won TINHIH’s Boots on the Ground Award. The LIMA Diversion Program was nominated again the following year in 2023 for the Crushing Stigma and Silos Award. In 2023, Angel Lash won Public Health Leader of the Year by Nevada’s Public Health Association. Episode Resources Episode Webpage and Transcript LIMA Diversion Program Flyer (PDF) LIMA Diversion Program Benchmarks (PDF)

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. About Christina Boyd, LSCSW, LCAC, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Kansas School of Social Welfare Christina is an Associate Professor of Practice for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and is the Workforce Development Coordinator, for the Center for Community Engagement and Collaboration. She is a master trainer for the ATTC network and serves as a content expert on prevention with the Opioid Response Network State Targeted Response. Christina has worked in several behavioral health settings in rural areas of the country over the last 27 years. She has participated in numerous grant projects focused on integration of behavioral health and prevention of substance use disorders. She works towards improving the delivery of integrated services in our systems of care. She resides in western Kansas and is passionate about the equity of health resources in rural areas as she continues to pursue her mission of helping people find their happy.

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. Join us as we explore: Personal Reflections: How our panelists pursue work-life balance and compassion satisfaction in spaces where compassion fatigue and burnout are highest among behavioral health and healthcare professionals. Discover the unexpected events in their lives, what's been on their minds, and what motivates them to continue their crucial work. Professional Insights: Learn about their most significant moments of growth, recent self-discoveries, and go-to self-care activities. Session Highlights: Revisit the most profound takeaways from the Listening Session. Hear what stuck with our experts. Connecting and Serving: Find out how professionals in prevention and diversion can connect with our panelists and what they can offer. Gain practical advice on best serving the chronically unhoused with substance use and mental health needs. Educational Insights: Discover the pros and cons of evidence-based frameworks and learn more about the required training to become an opioid response professional. Advanced Topics: Explore the cultural impacts of the opioid epidemic across the lifespan, the effects of polypharmacy on substance use disorders, and the role of cultural diversity in prevention and diversion efforts. Tune in to this episode for an in-depth, heartfelt discussion that goes beyond the surface, providing you with a richer understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those dedicated to combating the opioid crisis.

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.