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.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall, LMFT sits down with Dr. Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a passionate advocate for youth mental health and community empowerment. Together, they explore how the opioid crisis impacts children, families, and educators—and how compassion, advocacy, and education can inspire systemic change. Dr. Raines shares insights on the importance of understanding the “why” behind student behaviors, the power of lived experience in shaping interventions, and the role of legislative wins in expanding access to mental health services. This heartfelt conversation emphasizes that healing begins in community—through empathy, collaboration, and the courage to take action for the next generation.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Ryan Mills, a former professional BMX rider whose story embodies both the pain and the promise of recovery. Ryan opens up about his battle with opioid use disorder, exploring how the intense pressure to perform can lead youth and high-achieving athletes down a dangerous path. Together, Bianca and Ryan unpack the importance of holistic pain management, peer support, and the power of lived experience in recovery.

The conversation challenges traditional ideas of accountability, calling for more compassionate and flexible recovery programs that honor the complexities of addiction and identity rebuilding. Ryan’s reflections offer a message of hope—that even after deep struggle, a renewed sense of purpose and community can emerge.

Moderator: Bianca D. McCall, LMFT
Panelists: Dr. Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., N.C.S.P | Dr. Crystal Lee (Diné) | Ryan Mills

In this episode, host Bianca D. McCall, LMFT leads an insightful discussion on how opioid use disorder impacts diverse and often underserved populations. Drawing on years of clinical practice, research, and lived experience, the panel explores prevention, recovery, and culturally responsive approaches to behavioral health.

Bianca D. McCall, LMFT is a retired professional women’s basketball player turned international TED speaker and mental health innovator. With over 25 years in behavioral health and 12 as a healthcare CEO, she has pioneered digital health tools aimed at improving emotional well-being and preventing psychological injury. Bianca represents Nevada on national suicide prevention committees through SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Public Health. As a clinical instructor and curriculum developer with CASAT at the University of Nevada, Reno, she brings both expertise and compassion to her leadership in this discussion.

Dr. Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., N.C.S.P serves as the Deputy Director of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada. A nationally recognized school psychologist and researcher, Dr. Raines focuses on early identification of emotional and behavioral risks in youth and addresses the systemic inequities that drive many toward the juvenile justice system. Her work promotes healing-centered, culturally responsive care and bilingual workforce development in mental health and education. With experience at the University of Denver and UNLV, Dr. Raines brings evidence-based insight to the conversation on trauma and intergenerational effects of the opioid crisis.

Dr. Crystal Lee (Diné) is an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Population Health and Founder/CEO of United Natives, a national nonprofit delivering free telehealth mental health services to Indigenous communities. Her research and advocacy span infectious disease prevention, Indigenous health policy, and global representation for Native peoples. She has served on multiple United Nations Indigenous caucuses, advised the Obama Administration, and been honored by President Bill Clinton for her leadership. A trailblazer in business and health equity, Dr. Lee’s work bridges culture, policy, and technology to uplift Indigenous wellness.

Ryan Mills is a former professional BMX rider whose path to recovery after a decade-long struggle with heroin addiction has become a story of hope and resilience. After completing a drug court program, Ryan rebuilt his life, reconnecting with family, community, and his passion for BMX. Now a Health Resource Analyst III and Program Specialist with Nevada’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health, he uses his experience to advocate for others navigating addiction and recovery. Ryan’s journey reminds listeners that transformation is possible through support, purpose, and persistence.

Together, this panel dives deep into how opioid use disorder intersects with culture, identity, access, and recovery. From research and policy to personal narrative, this episode offers a powerful look at healing and innovation across communities.

In season 2 of the NOCE Dose we examine how Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) impacts specific population groups that experience distinctive health vulnerabilities, including youth, older adults, individuals with disabilities and neurodivergence, birthing women and Tribal Nations. Anchored in evidence-based frameworks for trauma-informed care, developmental risk, and structural competency, the season prioritizes the integration of firsthand narratives with the data on service gaps. Listeners will engage in structured dialogue to better understand how variations in age, ability, neurodevelopment, and community context influence OUD risk trajectories and access to care. This season supports a broader objective of informing service models that are integrity-based, developmentally appropriate, and community-informed, consistent with national public health guidance for behavioral health fairness.

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.