This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.

Series Schedule  (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

• November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan

• November 12, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms

• November 19, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis

• December 3, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend. 

Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG

Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.

Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Session 4 – December 3, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Strengthen community-based recovery networks that support long-term, intergenerational healing.

• Develop strategies for cross-sector collaboration to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes in Nevada.

• Assess emerging technologies that can enhance opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.

Series Schedule  (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

• November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan

• November 12, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms

• November 19, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis

• December 3, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend. 

Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG

Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.

Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Session 3 – November 19, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Understand legal frameworks affecting families impacted by opioid use, including child welfare, family court, and reentry systems.

• Explore equity-centered diversion programs and community-based alternatives to incarceration.

• Recognize how advocacy and policy can shape more equitable outcomes for families in crisis.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

• September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development

• October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year

• November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives

• December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches

• January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.

Session 3: November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives
This session examines the role of child welfare in the lives of families affected by substance use and highlights opportunities to shift from surveillance and separation to supportive and healing practices. Participants will learn how to operationalize Plans of Safe Care and explore community-based alternatives that prioritize family preservation and wellbeing.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the intent and implementation of Plans of Safe Care.

• Compare traditional surveillance-based approaches with family-centered alternatives.

• Identify practical strategies for advancing child welfare practices that reduce trauma and support family integrity.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM

Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.

Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*

Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

• Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas

• Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas

• Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)

• Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas

• Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

This comprehensive 4-part webinar series is designed to strengthen Nevada’s approach to opioid and other substance use disorders, with special emphasis on maternal health and family systems. The series provides participants with data, tools, and real-world perspectives to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery supports across the lifespan.

Series Schedule  (Wednesdays from 12–2 pm PT):

• November 5, 2025 – Breaking the Silence Substance Use & Health Across the Lifespan

• November 12, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms

• November 19, 2025 – Justice and Advocacy Protecting Families in Crisis

• December 3, 2025 – Healing Systems Building Intergenerational Recovery Ecosystems

Participation in the full series is not required for continuing education. However, the sessions are designed to be cohesive as a series, and we encourage full participation for the best learning outcomes. During registration, you will be able to select which sessions you wish to attend. 

Presented by: Eboni January, MD, FACOG

Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.

Continuing Education Units: 8 CEUs (2 CEUs per session)

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

Session 2 – November 12, 2025 – Compassionate Care Models Treating Families, Not Just Symptoms

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Identify evidence-based medication-assisted treatment approaches for pregnant individuals.

• Apply trauma-informed strategies that support multi-generational healing within families.

• Integrate culturally responsive practices to improve care in Nevada’s diverse communities.

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.

Cost: Free

About:

Moderator: 

Mark W. Parrino, MPA 
will moderate the session as the President of the American Associtation for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD).

Presenters:

Paul N. Samuels 
(Director/President, Legal Action Center) will provide an understanding of broad developments in this area, including court rulings.

Brandi Harrison, BSW, MS, CCHP
(Project Manager, Justice Collaborations, Allegheny County Department of Human Services) will also discuss the opening of a treatment program in the Alleghny County Jail in Pennsylvania. 

There will be ample time for Q&A, and this webinar will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Please send an email if you have any questions about this approaching webinar opportunity. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.

We can’t wait to see you all at our next meeting! This meeting will be hybrid and you can choose to attend in-person at a location to be announced or virtually via Zoom.

If you have any questions, wish to update your SNOAC membership, or have important community events or resources related to substance use, overdose or recovery, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the contact us page

In-Person Meeting Location:

              Roseman University

              1 Breakthrough Way

              Las Vegas, NV 89135

Virtual Meeting Information:

Q4 SNOAC General Meeting

Nov 6, 2025 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83585799937?pwd=K7lxQxItZ063cnzQUAyugFn4XXxKJ1.1

Meeting ID: 835 8579 9937

Passcode: Collab

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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb43sIoL5A

• Date: Wednesday, November 5th from 1:30p-5p

• Location: Southern Nevada Health District (280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107)

• Cost: Free

• About: This class is open to trainers who wish to become educated with current information about the illicit drug supply and the current best practices for reversing overdoses. At the end of this training, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to train others in overdose response, understand opioids and their effects, and educate others on common myths regarding drug overdose and fentanyl. Prerequisite work is required and will be sent by email. This no-cost training is completely grant funded.

• To learn more about, reach out to Lori Bryan at bryanl@snhd.org

• Date: Friday, October 31st from 4p-7p

• Location: The Center (401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101)

• Cost: Free

• About: Gather your ghouls and goblins for a thrilling evening of Halloween fun at The Center's Trunk or Treat event! Enjoy a night filled with sweet treats, exciting activities, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with your community. No need to RSVP—just grab your costume and join the celebration; everyone is welcome!

Kratom is a complex botanical with both opioid-like and stimulant properties, increasingly used in the U.S. for self-management of pain, as an opioid substitute, and for various mental health symptoms. While traditionally consumed for centuries in its natural form in its indigenous regions, commercially available kratom products in the U.S. are often variable in composition and potency, posing a greater risk of toxicity. Additionally, kratom use can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and in some cases, meet DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder.

With kratom use and harms being more common among individuals with substance use disorders, addiction psychiatrists must be equipped to assess and manage patients who consume kratom—whether for perceived therapeutic benefits or as part of an addictive pattern.

This workshop will provide an in-depth overview of kratom’s pharmacology, patterns of use, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Attendees will gain insight into how kratom differs from traditional opioids, its potential for addiction, and the complexities of withdrawal management. Practical strategies for patient engagement, harm reduction, and evidence-based treatment approaches will be discussed, with a focus on real-world clinical scenarios.

By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to navigate kratom-related clinical challenges, including how to approach patients who consume kratom, recognize problematic use and addiction, and determine appropriate treatment interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand kratom’s literature, covering its uses, risks (overdose, addiction), and product toxicities.

• Evaluate kratom’s role in harm reduction, distinguishing between evidence-based practices and misconceptions.

• Implement evidence-based treatments for kratom addiction, facilitating informed discussions and effective interventions with patients.

Presented by: Cornel N. Stanciu, M.D., C.P.E., M.R.O., F.A.S.A.M., F.A.P.A.

Dr. Stanciu holds the position of Assistant Professor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and serves as the Director of Addiction Services at New Hampshire Hospital.

His accolades include being a former Ruth Fox scholar and Governors Institute on Substance Abuse scholar. He was appointed by New Hampshire’s governor to the Board of Medicine, Medical Review Subcommittee, and by the DHHS’s commissioner to the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board. Additionally, he holds esteemed credentials as an ASAM and APA Fellow.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Stanciu has been actively engaged in academia, with a significant publication record on topics related to addictive disorders. He has led multiple studies focused on understanding the clinical implications of Kratom and has contributed to the development of treatment guidelines for Kratom addiction. His research findings have been disseminated through presentations at numerous conferences, live webinars, and citations in scholarly literature. He serves on the editorial boards of several reputable journals and has received numerous awards for excellence in research and clinical care.

Dr. Stanciu maintains active involvement in professional organizations such as the APA, ASAM, and AAAP, where he presently serves as the Chief Editor for AAAP’s newsletter.

Furthermore, his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field is evident through his publication of the book titled “Deciphering the Addicted Brain: A Guide to understanding and Helping a Loved One Towards Recovery”.

Continuing Education Units: 1 CEU

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.

Link to learn more about the NV Strategic Plan: https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/programs/bh-wellness-and-prevention-bbhwp/

Link to the Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODVjY2QyZTEtMzZlZS00ZTAxLWEwYjgtZGY3MDM1ZGU3YTll%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e4a340e6-b89e-4e68-8eaa-1544d2703980%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229b625916-d823-4d3f-b250-2e22efe1ff41%22%7d

Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

• September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development

• October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year

• November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives

• December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches

• January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.

Session 2: October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year
The first year after birth is a critical period for parents in recovery. This session highlights challenges and solutions for linking families to ongoing care, maintaining continuity across systems, and building family-centered support networks that strengthen parental recovery and infant wellbeing.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe common challenges parents face in accessing postpartum and pediatric care.

• Explore strategies for strengthening continuity of care across medical, behavioral health, and social service systems.

• Apply family-centered approaches to support parental health and infant development.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM

Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.

Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*

Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

• Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas

• Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas

• Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)

• Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas

• Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

The Southern Nevada Health District Academic Affairs Committee presents a discussion of provocative public health topics quarterly. Join us and our panel of experts as we discuss the state of Nevada's public health safety net.

Moderator:
- Dr. Cheryl Radeloff, Senior Health Educator, SNHD

Panelists:
- Dr. John Packham, Associate Dean, Office of Statewide Initiatives, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- Pierron Tackes, Director of Health and Social Policy, Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities
- Emma Rodriguez, Communications and Legislative Affairs Administrator, SNHD

Link to learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-district-after-dark-the-state-of-nevadas-public-health-safety-net-tickets-1732634770239?aff=oddtdtcreator

This second Listening Session continues our exploration of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in special populations, shifting the lens to the full lifespan. Building upon Part 1’s focus on youth and Tribal communities, Part 2 will examine the intergenerational and biological effects of opioid exposure from the womb through later life stages. Panelists will include a speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant working with opioid-exposed infants in neonatal care, a nutritionist exploring how OUD affects metabolism and nourishment, a biomedical engineer sharing technological approaches for assessing long-term developmental impact, and a gerontological expert addressing OUD in older adults.

Participants will engage in reflective and solution-oriented dialogue, addressing how biologically and socially mediated exposure to opioids shapes physical health, neurodevelopment, communication, and nutritional needs throughout life. Special attention will be given to underrepresented groups, such as neonates born with NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome), and elders with chronic pain, comorbidities, or long-term prescription opioid use.

This Listening Session supports national injury prevention goals and health equity initiatives by bridging narrative accounts, clinical observations, and systems-level insights to improve the responsiveness of behavioral health models across developmental stages.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the long-term developmental and communicative effects of in-utero opioid exposure, including feeding, bonding, and neurobehavioral concerns.

• Explain the connection between nutritional status, opioid use, and recovery outcomes, including vulnerabilities in both youth and aging populations.

• Integrate lived and clinical experiences to inform developmentally sensitive, lifespan-informed, and equity-driven OUD intervention strategies.

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: 

• Anne R. Lindsay, PhD, FACSM
  Dr. Lindsay is a Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Nevada Reno. She conducts research, assesses, identifies, and responds to public and behavioral health issues across the lifespan. She has conducted interdisciplinary health-related research approaches to help individuals in recovery with a focus on resilience and evidence-based programming addressing poor nutrition, eating pathology, physical inactivity, and body dissatisfaction to augment existing treatment for substance use in prisons and recovery centers. She serves as expert panel for the Pacific Southwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance project and conducts clinical trainings for the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies and Addiction Technology Transfer Center Networks. Dr. Lindsay has published several peer reviewed journal articles, fact sheets and creative audio-visual projects. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, she serves on numerous local/national committees, advisory boards and editorial panels; and has received several awards for her work.

• Amy Thatcher, SLP
  A passionate educator and advocate, Amy speaks on topics including neonatal feeding therapy, caregiver empowerment, and interdisciplinary collaboration in hospital settings. She is a member of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists. Amy is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist and neonatal feeding specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience supporting medically fragile infants, including those born with opiate exposure. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she brings a rare blend of clinical precision, compassionate care, and leadership to her work in hospital-based neonatal therapy. Holding a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from the University of New Mexico, Amy has dedicated her career to advancing feeding outcomes for newborns with complex medical and neurological needs. Her expertise spans oral motor assessments, swallow evaluations, and individualized feeding interventions, with a specialized focus on infants affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Amy’s work is grounded in the belief that healing begins with connection—and that every infant and their family deserves a strong start supported by informed, compassionate care.

• Eboni January, MD, FACOG
  Dr. Eboni January (Dr. EJ) is a board-certified OB/GYN, health equity advocate, and business visionary—who believes that real change happens when we combine expertise with intentional action. Dr. Eboni January’s mission is to improve maternal health outcomes by blending medical expertise with cultural awareness, advocacy, and education. Her vision is to ensure that every mother—regardless of background or circumstance—has the knowledge, confidence, and community she deserves to experience a healthy, informed, and empowered motherhood journey.

• Rachel Mack, LMSW, LADC
  Rachel Mack is the Program Director of the EMPOWERED Program, which serves pregnant and postpartum individuals who use or have used opioids and/or stimulants. A licensed social worker and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, Rachel specializes in trauma-informed, family-centered care for people affected by substance use. With a master’s degree in social work, she has led multidisciplinary efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to recovery-oriented care. Rachel currently serves on the Fetal Infant Mortality Review Board and previously contributed to the Nevada Congenital Syphilis Case Review Team. She is passionate about advancing equitable, evidence-based approaches that center dignity, compassion, and health equity for birthing people impacted by opioid and stimulant use.

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:

• PRSS(-S)

• Community Health Workers (CHW)

• 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.

We want to hear from YOU!

Please share your experiences, resources, and priorities at our upcoming peer session, which will introduce NOCE’s new Prevention Training & Technical Assistance project. Together, we’ll build stronger prevention across Nevada! 

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new resource through the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE): the Prevention Training and Technical Assistance project!

This isn’t a sit-and-listen webinar—it’s a collaborative working session designed for YOU. We want to hear what matters most when it comes to preventing opioid misuse in Nevada.

Bring your ideas, experiences, and favorite tools to share! Please be prepared to share:

• Primary prevention interventions and awareness activities already happening in your community

• Go-to resources that have worked well for you in your opioid misuse prevention work

• The training and support you need most to level up your primary prevention work to address opioid misuse

Your input will help shape the future of prevention training and technical assistance across the state. Let’s build this resource for Nevada together!

Presenters:
The Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Team

Cost: FREE

Click here to register: https://casatunr.wufoo.com/forms/kkohv5x14uc2pg/

About: Join us for a full day training to discuss harm reduction and its role in working with people who use drugs.

We will discuss:
- Harm reduction a personal safety strategy
- Harm reduction as a moment
- The principles of harm reduction
- Risk and protective factors for substance use
- Drug-related stigma
- Impact of drug-related stigma on recovery
- Medicated Assisted Treatment
and so much more!

This full day will be jam packed and interactive for participants.

Lunch will not be provided and will be on your own.

Cost: Free

Link to Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5s7b9qj/lp/cd136a96-318e-421a-a74a-058abbaa5073

Event Details:
📍 The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada
📅 Saturday, October 4th
🕙 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tables and chairs will be provided, as well as water.
There is no charge for becoming a vendor.
Further information will be sent closer to the event's date.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please complete the form here: tinyurl.com/centerjobfair-employer

Join us for a five-part virtual follow-up series building on the in-person conference Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People Who Use Substances: Moving Toward Compassionate Care. Each one-hour session will take a deeper look at the health and well-being of parents, infants, and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Series Schedule (Tuesdays from 10–11 am PT):

• September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development

• October 28, 2025 – Postpartum Period Through First Year

• November 18, 2025 – Child Welfare Systems and Alternatives

• December 16, 2025 – Substance Use and Treatment Approaches

• January 27, 2026 – Data and Measures of Success

IMPORTANT: This series will be hosted as a Zoom Meeting. Participants should have a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone to actively engage in discussions and activities. If you’re new to Zoom, visit the Getting Started with Zoom Video Conferencing Software section of our website.

Session 1: September 30, 2025 – Infant Health and Early Development
This session explores foundational infant health practices, with a focus on ensuring equitable access to preventive care for infants born to parents who use substances. Participants will examine strategies for promoting immunizations and screenings, addressing congenital syphilis, and advancing safe sleep practices through culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify core preventive health practices that support early development.

• Recognize and address rising rates of congenital syphilis and related prevention strategies.

• Apply principles of safe sleep promotion within the context of health equity.

Presented by: Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP and Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM

Kimá Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, FAAP is the Co-Founder of Doing Right By Birth and Founder of Anka Consulting, a health care consulting firm and recently completed a Non-Resident Fellowship at the Urban Institute. She most recently served as the National Drug Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Program Director at the Open Society Foundations. She oversaw grantmaking that supported education, advocacy, systems reform and innovation to expand equitable access to and outcomes from a full continuum of integrated, evidence informed, culturally and linguistically effective substance use disorder services and supported programming that developed non-punitive individual and public health not criminal justice responses for people with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Open Society Foundations, Taylor served as Deputy Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department where she created more cohesive and integrated public health services for citizens at risk; a large percentage of whom had substance use disorders and/or HIV. Before Baltimore, she served as the health and social policy legislative assistant for Senator Sarbanes, with issue areas including Social Security, TANF, pharmaceuticals, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care policy and women’s issues.A pediatrician, Taylor is a graduate of Brown University, Brown University School of Medicine, and the Georgetown University residency program in pediatrics. From 1998 to 2002, Taylor cared for uninsured and underinsured patients at a community health center in Washington, D.C., and created a city-wide coalition to advance literacy in pediatric primary care. She worked with other community organizations to empower youth such that they will realize their abilities, grasp opportunities, and improve the world at large.In 2002, Taylor was awarded a Commonwealth Foundation fellowship in minority health policy at Harvard University. During the fellowship, Taylor’s research focused on exploring state legislative remedies for racial and ethnic health disparities. Eliminating health disparities and inequities has been a theme throughout all of her work.

Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEUs*

Each session offers 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 5 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS(-S), CHW, Prevention, and Doulas. Please see the list below for Nevada Certification board approval breakdown

• Session 1: Approved for CHW, Prevention, and Doulas

• Session 2: Approved for PRSS(-S), CHW, and Doulas

• Session 3: Approved for PRSS(-S)

• Session 4: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Doulas

• Session 5: Approved for PRSS(-S) and Prevention

Funding for this training 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, and by Washoe County through the One Nevada Agreement allocation of the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund (Grant #WOARF24-00003). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence, DHHS, or Washoe County.

Cost: $80 per person (limited scholarships available)

For more information please contact Preventchildabusenevada@unlv.edu

Location: Las Vegas, NV (The Strip and surrounding area)

Cost: Free, but space is limited so please register at the link below

About: Narcan at Night is more than just an event—it's a movement to save lives and uplift the community. Join us on Saturday, September 27th at 5:00 PM as we hit the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas and the surrounding areas to distribute free overdose prevention and response kits. This is one of the largest Narcan distribution events in the country, and you can be part of it. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or completely new to harm reduction work, your time and energy can make a real difference. You'll help educate people on how to respond in an overdose situation—because you never know when you might be the one who can save a life. Expect an evening that’s energizing, inspiring, and surprisingly fun. We believe doing good should feel good, too. You'll meet amazing people, walk the iconic Strip with purpose, and leave knowing you helped change lives—maybe even save them.

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/narcan-at-night-2025-tickets-1369639431409

Cost: Free, but space is limited so please register at the link below

About: Mobilize Recovery is bringing the Campus Surge 2025 initiative to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as part of a nationwide effort to address the challenges of substance use and mental health among college students. This event that will be held in the Student Union (Ballroom A), aims to raise awareness, provide resources, and empower students to become advocates for recovery within their communities.​ There will be special guests, panel discussions, free food, and more!

Learn more and RSVP that you will attend at: https://www.mobilizerecovery.org/unlv_campus_surge

Date: Thursday, September 25th from 1:30p-5pm

Location: Southern Nevada Health District (280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107)

Cost: Free

About: THIS EVENT IS PRIVATE AND OFFERED BY INVITATION ONLY - This class is open to trainers who wish to become educated with current information about the illicit drug supply in our community and the current best practices for reversing overdoses. At the end of this training, you should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to train others in overdose response with naloxone, understand opioids and their effects, and educate others on common myths regarding drug overdose and fentanyl. Prerequisite work is required and will be sent by email.

Learn more and register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/f7urn7c/lp/21c1976c-9a99-423c-a7cb-bcbcbf89bde2

About: This one-hour workshop will provide an overview of new and emerging synthetic cannabinoids and their impacts. The session will incorporate identifying different types of cannabinoids, indicators of use, and trends within Nevada and across the country. In addition, participants will gain perspective on how synthetic cannabinoids may intersect with opioid use, including overlapping symptoms, risks of co-ingestion, and the role (and limitations) of naloxone.Participants will learn practical strategies and resources for managing unknown and novel synthetic substance use while understanding up-to-date information that will equip providers to implement effective approaches to engagement and care.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand synthetic cannabinoids, including their origination, trends in use, and how K2 and spice have been used.

• Be able to describe positive and negative effects of K2 and spice, including potential for overdose, and why the drugs are used.

• Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of K2 and spice use and identify tools to use in screening, including considerations when opioids are present or co-used.

Presented by: Andrew Kurtz, MA, LMFT

Andrew Kurtz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been a Clinical Specialist with UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs since 2014 and is the Director of UCLA ISAP’s Pacific Mental Health Awareness Training project. Mr. Kurtz has previously served as a program director in community mental health, specializing in optimizing access to integrated services through a same-day assessment center. He has served as the lead of a nationally-recognized Trauma-Informed Care implementation that provided staff trainings and program design assistance to improve trauma services, including developing a one-of-a-kind wellness center focused on reducing barriers to accessing care for individuals exposed to traumatic events. Mr. Kurtz has been the instructor for the Fieldwork Practicum course in UCLA Extension’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate Program since 2017. Mr. Kurtz has a background in research on cognitive and behavioral interventions for the treatment of first-episode schizophrenia diagnoses.

Continuing Education Units: 1 CEU

This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.

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.

Date: Friday, September 26th all day

Location: Various locations around the valley

Cost: Free

About: On Sep 26th, 2025, communities across the country to are powering up to host the largest day of naloxone distribution to date. Join agencies here in Southern Nevada in distributing naloxone to members of our community to end overdose deaths.

Learn more and find a location near you at https://soarwv.org/save-a-life-day-2025/ to participate, reach out to Lori Bryan at bryanl@snhd.org.

About: Our presenters will provide detailed responses about how their programs and states have implemented these regulations and how patients have benefited from new opportunities.

There will be ample time for Q&A, and this webinar will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Please send an email if you have any questions about this approaching webinar opportunity. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.

Cost: Free

About: We continue to call on all queer creatives, fashion freaks, and latex-loving legends!⁠ 💅⁠
⁠
Condom Couture 2025: From Dust Till Dawn is hitting the runway on Friday, Sept 19 at Dust Las Vegas, and we want YOU to design the next jaw-dropping, safer-sex-celebrating LEWK.⁠
⁠
🎨 3 fab categories:⁠
1️⃣ Accessories that pop⁠
2️⃣ Swimwear/Lingerie that slays in the sheets or streets⁠
3️⃣ Evening wear that turns it OUT⁠
⁠
A few guidelines:⁠
🧵 Must be 50%+ condoms (because fashion is protection)⁠
💃 BYO Models⁠
🏆 Prizes served in every category⁠
⁠
Are you ready to make the runway your safe-sex canvas?⁠

To learn more, please visit https://thecenterlv.org/form/condom-couture-2025

For question, please contact Kiande at KJakada@thecenterlv.org⁠

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

About: This International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together as one big family to take action on overdose. Join us for a Free community event to honor those we have lost to overdose and support those still living affected by substance use. Vendors, Speakers, Overdose Prevention training, Narcan distribution, fentanyl/xylazine test strips training and distribution, Soles 4 Souls shoe exhibit and Candlelight vigil and remembrance table

Learn more: https://snvhealthconsortium.org/event/ioad-2025-one-big-family-driven-by-hope/

About: This meeting is open to all community members to share resources! Everyone will have 2 minutes to share with attendees.

Learn more here: https://extension.unr.edu/family-resilience/events.aspx

RSVP and submit your materials here:  https://forms.office.com/r/0JXuF2A5vf