Building Resilience in Nevada: The Role of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence in Addressing Opioid Use and Support

Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence at the School of Public Health

The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE), established in January 2024, is dedicated to offering evidence-informed training and technical assistance to professionals and community members. In addition, NOCE provides valuable resources for healthcare providers, individuals struggling with opioid addiction, their friends and family, and the broader community. By equipping communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to combat opioid use disorder (OUD) and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), NOCE plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier and more resilient Nevada.

The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence (NOCE) is administered by the Center for the Applications of Substance Abuse Technologies, which operates under the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. This vital project is funded 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. This funding source was established under Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting initiatives that address and mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis across the community.

NOCE’s goals focus on enhancing the capacity of local communities, organizations, and jurisdictions to effectively manage OUD and MOUD through prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services. The center is dedicated to promoting sustainability by identifying and facilitating evidence-based or research-informed model programs and continuously updating training materials. This ensures that high-quality training is accessible to Nevada’s partner organizations and communities. NOCE’s objectives include providing technical assistance and training to support the implementation and ongoing fidelity of proven models and practices, informed by community assessments and the latest in implementation science. By identifying local capacities and addressing gaps, NOCE ensures that the programs it recommends are both effective and sustainable, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being of Nevada’s communities.

The Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence Resource Page offers a comprehensive selection of resources designed to meet a variety of needs. Whether individuals are seeking help for themselves, looking to assist a loved one, aiming to make a difference in their community, or requiring professional development, the curated resources on each page provide valuable information and tools tailored to their specific situations. With topics ranging from adverse childhood experiences and infectious diseases to stigma reduction, overdose prevention and reversal, and tribal opioid response, users can easily access dedicated resources by clicking the corresponding button under each category. This resource library is a starting point for anyone looking to embark on a journey towards recovery and support.

NOCE offers a variety of training options, including live events, on-demand videos, and the flexibility to conduct sessions either on-site or via Zoom. Whether individuals prefer to browse through the extensive list of educational

Join Us For a Listening Session

Join us for a Listening Session on September 17, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm PDT focused on crucial topics such as fentanyl test strip education, overdose emergency preparedness, the evolution of harm reduction, and the rise of new synthetic opioids. Expert panelists, including Katarina Pulver, Bethany Wilkins, Donald Griffin, and Darcy Patterson, will share insights to help attendees deepen their understanding of opioid overdose and harm reduction strategies. Participants can earn 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), approved by the Nevada Certification Board for PRSS, PRSS-S, and Prevention.

opportunities or request a customized training session, NOCE is dedicated to supporting professionals and community members in addressing the challenges of the opioid crisis. These tailored training sessions are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact.

In addition to creating and distributing evidence-based training, NOCE is dedicated to providing tailored technical assistance to combat opioid use, misuse, and overdose in Nevada communities. Whether there is a need for education and training in prevention, treatment, or recovery for opioid, stimulant, or other substance use disorders, NOCE is equipped to offer customized support. Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to fill out the form, and NOCE’s dedicated team will respond promptly. Please note that the timeframe for training and technical assistance activities may vary depending on the requested topics.

The State Initiative page serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding Nevada’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. It provides detailed information on various state-led programs and initiatives, including the Nevada State Opioid Response, Overdose to Action, and the Fund for a Resilient Nevada. Visitors can explore the Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan to gain insight into the foundation and future direction of these efforts. The page also highlights specific initiatives like Nevada Zero Suicide, Recovery Friendly Workplace, Behavioral Health NV, and CASAT OnDemand. Site visitors can delve deeper into how Nevada is working to build a resilient and supportive community for all.

Through its comprehensive approach, NOCE serves as a crucial resource in Nevada’s battle against the opioid crisis, empowering professionals and community members with a wide range of training, technical assistance, and evidence-informed resources. By focusing on sustainability, strengthening local capacities, and encouraging evidence-based practices, NOCE is dedicated to building a supportive and resilient community throughout the state.

Coming Soon: The NOCE Dose: The Opioid Crisis Unplugged

The NOCE Dose: The Opioid Crisis Unplugged is a new podcast launching in September that offers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of those on the frontlines of Nevada’s battle against the opioid epidemic. Each episode will take you behind the scenes with expert panelists from Listening Sessions, which will providing deep insights into prevention and diversion, harm reduction, opioid use treatment, and recovery and recurrence prevention. You’ll learn about the early identification of substance use disorder (SUD) through SBIRT techniques, the critical role of collaboration between healthcare professionals and the judicial system, and community-based initiatives that shift public perceptions of opioid use disorder. The podcast will also delve into harm reduction strategies, including fentanyl test strip education and overdose emergency preparedness, while exploring the impact of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and integrated care approaches. Lastly, it will address the stigma surrounding SUD and highlights evidence-based strategies for sustained recovery. Tune in to The NOCE Dose this September for a compelling exploration of the opioid crisis, bringing you closer to the people and practices making a real difference in Nevada. Subscribe to the email list to receive updates on this thought-provoking new podcast.

References

Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence. (2024). Nevada Opioid Center of Excellencehttps://nvopioidresponse.org

Blog Post Tags:

Related Blog Posts

Humanism in Healthcare: A Pathway to Compassionate Care and Resilience

Building Stronger Therapists: The Impact of Skillful Clinical Supervision

Building Brighter Futures: The Impact of Positive Childhood Experiences on Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Addressing and Reducing Barriers to Mental Health Treatment for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Related Learning Labs

Marijuana

Healthy Aging

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Enhancing Outcomes for Reluctant Clients with Challenging Issues

Related Resources

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.