In this deeply meaningful episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall is joined by Dr. Crystal Lee, a public health expert and advocate for Indigenous communities, for a powerful discussion on Indigenous health, identity, and healing. Together, they explore how acknowledging historical truths, embracing cultural worldviews, and reclaiming Indigenous languages are essential steps toward collective wellness and self-love.

Dr. Lee unpacks the importance of community support in addressing mental health and substance use disorder within Native populations, while also highlighting the impact of misclassification and systemic barriers. The conversation delves into the role of culturally responsive care, spiritual connection to land, and how sports, especially basketball, can be a meaningful bridge for Indigenous youth.

Listeners will be reminded that healing happens in discomfort, that “land is our church,” and that unity is not just a concept, but a practice rooted in cultural and spiritual strength. This episode serves as a call to action to support Indigenous healing efforts, honor ancestral truths, and center community in all wellness work.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this enlightening episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Alisa Howard to explore the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in behavioral health, with a particular focus on addressing opioid use disorder. With compassion and clarity, Alisa underscores the power of lived experience in reducing stigma, building trust, and humanizing the healthcare system.
Together, they delve into how CHWs act as a bridge between clinical care and the communities they serve, offering peer support, cultural understanding, and a voice for those often left unheard. Alisa reflects on how “the thing that once saved me is now killing me,” highlighting the complexities of recovery and the importance of empathy in healing work.
The conversation also touches on the financial sustainability of CHW roles, the need for formal integration into healthcare settings, and the professional development of CHWs. Through themes of forgiveness, sustainability, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, this episode challenges healthcare systems to rethink how they define support and healing.
As Alisa says, “Community needs to be community all of the time,” and this episode is a reminder that true health must also include humanity.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose podcast, host Bianca D. McCall welcomes Daniel Fred, Director of the Nevada Recovery and Prevention (NRAP) Program, to explore the evolving landscape of opioid recovery. Together, they dive into insights from a recent listening session, focusing on how creating fun, inclusive spaces—especially on campuses—can foster stronger recovery communities. Daniel emphasizes that "recovery is recovery is recovery," reminding listeners that presence and belief are essential to healing. The conversation highlights the importance of removing shame from the recovery process, using student-friendly language, and believing in the collective power of community. Daniel and Bianca also discuss how recovery doesn't have to be fearful or isolating; instead, it can be joyful, intentional, and deeply connected. This episode is a powerful reminder that the "F-word" in recovery is fun—and that celebrating life is a vital part of healing.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose podcast, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Cheryl Nixon, a certified peer recovery support specialist, for a heartfelt conversation about the realities of opioid use disorder and the journey toward healing. Cheryl shares her personal story, emphasizing the power of belief, the importance of meeting people where they are, and the role of community in recovery. Together, they unpack the stigma around medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the need to address basic human needs before tackling addiction, and how recovery is a "we thing"—not a solitary journey. Cheryl reflects on the vital impact one supportive person can have and encourages listeners to "reach back and grab someone," fostering connection, accountability, and hope. This episode highlights that recovery is not only possible but thrives through compassion, understanding, and community action.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall speaks with Teresa Sands about the complexities of recovery, stigma, and harm reduction. Through powerful reflections, Teresa challenges traditional narratives around addiction, emphasizing the importance of asking individuals what they truly want from recovery. The discussion delves into key themes such as sex work stigma, the war on drugs as a war on people, and the need for culturally responsive pathways to recovery. Together, they explore the value of lived experience in shaping effective care, the role of transparency and accountability in treatment, and the idea that abstinence is not the only path to healing. This episode encourages listeners, both professionals and those in recovery, to rethink societal approaches to substance use and embrace a more inclusive, compassionate model of 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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this powerful episode of The NOCE Dose, we dive deep into the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and its profound impact on People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) communities seeking treatment. Hosted by Bianca D. McCall, LMFT, this Listening Session brings together a diverse panel of experts and advocates dedicated to fostering recovery-friendly spaces in both the workplace and community.

Bianca, alongside a dynamic group of panelists, including Cheryl Nixon, Daniel Fred, Rhonda Fairchild, and Teresa Sands, explore strategies for challenging and reducing stigma, creating environments that encourage individuals to seek help, and sustaining long-term recovery.

Listeners will gain insight into evidence-based recurrence prevention strategies, and how these can be applied to today’s PWUD communities. The panel also highlights the importance of creating recovery-friendly spaces—how these spaces contribute to sustained recovery, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore innovative ways to support individuals on their recovery journey and advocate for systemic change in mental health and addiction care.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in reducing stigma, fostering recovery-friendly environments, and promoting lasting change in addiction treatment and 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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall engages in a deep conversation with Kayla Shannon, a licensed clinical social worker, about the opioid response programming in Nevada. They discuss the importance of collaboration among professionals, the unique trauma profiles in Nevada communities, and the integration of holistic treatments like yoga into medically assisted treatment (MAT). Kayla shares insights on how trauma-informed care can empower individuals to share their stories and the benefits of providing comprehensive support in correctional facilities. The episode concludes with a call to action for community engagement and support in recovery efforts.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Kim Nischik, a board-certified physician assistant, to discuss the opioid response in Nevada and the vital role of mentorship in addiction treatment. Reflecting on insights from a recent listening session, they explore strategies for educating patients about medication options, overcoming barriers to access, and fostering a supportive environment for recovery. Kim shares her experiences on the frontlines of healthcare, highlighting the importance of connectedness in care and the commitment of Northern Nevada Hopes to both patients and providers. This episode underscores the power of education, advocacy, and mentorship in strengthening the addiction treatment landscape.

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 this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.