Carson City July 30, 2021
Today, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Service, in partnership with the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, announced the opening of a “letter of interest” period for those who would like to serve on the Advisory Committee for a Resilient Nevada.
In 2021 the Nevada Legislature passed Senate Bill 390 creating the Committee and setting the membership requirements to reflect the diversity of Nevada and include those who are disproportionately impacted by opioid use disorder and disparities in access to health care.
The Committee is responsible for establishing priority areas to allocate the proceeds of certain litigation by the State concerning the manufacture, distribution, sale and marketing of opioids.
“This legislation and the formation of this Committee is vital as we look to ensure these funds are used to support Nevada communities,” said DHHS Director Richard Whitley. “I encourage all Nevadans who have been impacted by opioid use disorder to consider serving on this Committee that will be instrumental in helping address opioid use disorder statewide.”
The Advisory Committee for a Resilient Nevada will be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Grants Management Unit. The Advisory Committee will be responsible for providing guidance on the statewide needs assessment and statewide plan establishing the priority areas for the allocation of the funds. The Advisory Committee will also coordinate with the Substance Use Response Group in the Office of the Attorney General.
“The opioid crisis is one of the most serious issues facing Nevada, and my office is working diligently to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” said Attorney General Aaron D. Ford. “This Committee will be integral to the State’s work to help those impacted by the crisis, and I encourage all Nevadans with the relevant skillsets to apply.”
Once the statewide plan is established by the Committee, the Grants Management Unit will issue competitive announcements to distribute the State’s opioid settlement funds in accordance with the statewide plan and SB 390. These funds must address the risks, impacts and harms of substance use with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact and health disparities.
Committee appointments will be made by the Attorney General, the DHHS Director and the DHHS Office of Minority Health and Equity.
Members will include:
• A member who possesses knowledge, skills and experience working with youth in the juvenile justice system;
• A member who possesses knowledge, skills and experience working with persons in the criminal justice system;
• A member who possesses knowledge, skills and experience in the surveillance of overdoses;
• A member who is a physician certified in the field of addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine or its successor organization;
• A member who represents a nonprofit, community-oriented organization that specializes in peer-led recovery from substance use disorder;
• A member who has survived an opioid overdose;
• A member who represents a program to prevent overdoses or otherwise reduce the harm caused by the use of substances;
• A member who represents an organization that specializes in housing;
• A member who possesses knowledge, skills and experience with the education of pupils in kindergarten through12th grade.
• A member who possesses knowledge, skills and experience in public health;
• A member who is the director of an agency which provides child welfare services or his or her designee;
• A member who represents a program that specializes in the prevention of substance use by youth;
• A member who represents a faith-based organization that specializes in recovery from substance use disorder;
• A member who represents a program for substance use disorders that is operated by a nonprofit organization and certified pursuant to NRS 458.025.
• A resident of a county other than Clark or Washoe County that has experience having a substance use disorder or having a family member who has a substance use disorder;
• A resident of Washoe County that has experience having a substance use disorder or having a family member who has a substance use disorder;
• A resident of Clark County that has experience having a substance use disorder or having a family member who has a substance use disorder;
Members will be appointed for a two year term and, pursuant to statute, the Advisory Committee will meet at least twice annually. Appointments are expected to be made in early September.
Those interested in serving as a member of the Advisory Committee for a Resilient Nevada should submit a one-page letter of interest no later than August 31, 2021 via email to gmu@dhhs.nv.gov.
The letter of interest should include the position or positions being applied for, a summary of qualifications to serve in that role, name and organization (if employed) and phone and email contact information.
Any questions can be directed to Sheila Lambert, project manager at slambert@dhhs.nv.gov.