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In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson examine the state of substance use with a focus on Southern Nevada, exploring current patterns, emerging concerns, and local context that shapes substance use in our communities. This foundational knowledge helps demystify statistics often cited in media and informs effective community responses.

The conversation features Jessica Johnson, Health Education Supervisor at the Southern Nevada Health District, who has led impactful public health initiatives that resonate across the region. As co-chair of the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council, Jessica champions critical public health initiatives that address substance use challenges with profound dedication to health education, prevention, and outreach.

Joining her is Brandon Delise, Senior Epidemiologist at the Southern Nevada Health District since 2018, where he leads efforts to monitor, develop, and improve surveillance within the fields of drug overdose and EMS. Prior to his epidemiologist role, Brandon served as a Disease Investigation & Intervention Specialist at SNHD and currently serves on the board of the Clark County Regional Opioid Task Force.

The episode explores the most prevalent substances of concern in Southern Nevada, how patterns have changed over the past five years, and what makes the region unique. Jessica and Brandon contextualize local trends within state and national patterns, discussing emerging substances like fentanyl and xylazine, regional variations within Nevada, and how trends compare to national averages. They examine which populations are disproportionately impacted, how social determinants influence these patterns, and what pregnancy-related substance use data reveals.

This conversation connects statistics to action, exploring how SNHD uses data to shape interventions, prevention and harm reduction efforts underway, and how community members can use this information effectively. Whether you're a healthcare provider, community advocate, or seeking to understand substance use trends, this episode offers crucial insights into the data that drives public health response and community action.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.
If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.
EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.
Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.
Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.
Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.