Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health

Through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, High Sierra AHEC’s Project Rise is expanding educational initiatives focused on substance use disorder (SUD), opioid misuse, prevention, and stigma reduction. This project will strengthen curricula across K-12, higher education, Community Health Worker (CHW) training, and professional healthcare development.

The expanded K-12 modules will cover opioid prevention, substance use awareness, mental health, stigma reduction, and life-saving interventions. These courses are designed to provide students with practical knowledge while encouraging future healthcare career paths.

For CHW training, the program provides comprehensive SUD education emphasizing the unique challenges faced by rural, tribal, and underserved communities. This curriculum will highlight the vital roles of CHWs and Peer Support Specialists in resource navigation and community support.

In Higher Education and Professional Development, the project features new modules for AHEC Scholars, healthcare students, and medical residents focused on prescription opioid misuse, addiction, prevention, and evidence-based practices. Additionally, Interprofessional Education initiatives will offer collaborative workshops, summits, and hands-on activities designed for healthcare and social service professionals to learn together.

By expanding these curricula, Project Rise ensures that students, professionals, and community members have the knowledge and confidence to recognize substance use concerns, reduce stigma, promote prevention, and connect individuals with effective support.