In this special edition of the Heals Pod, we continue our Southern Nevada Opiate Response Series, focusing on addiction and substance use disorders. The host introduces Dr. Partida Corona, an expert in the field of addiction medicine, to delve into the science, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction.

Dr. Partida Corona discusses the scarcity of addiction specialists in Las Vegas, highlighting the need for more healthcare providers in this area. He shares her journey into addiction medicine, starting with his residency at UMC Hospital, where he observed the prevalence of chronic pain management leading to substance abuse.

The conversation shifts to the definition of opioid use disorder, emphasizing the biological changes in neurochemistry that drive addiction. Dr. Partida Corona explains the importance of medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine, in managing addiction and reducing harm.

The host and Dr. Partida Corona explore the stigma surrounding addiction and the need for a shift in mentality towards treatment. They discuss the effectiveness of peer recovery navigators and the power of human connection in aiding recovery.

The episode concludes with a call for collaboration, understanding, and empathy in addressing addiction as a chronic condition. Dr. Partida Corona emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity in patients and meeting them where they are in their recovery journey.

In this episode of The Heals Pod, we delve into the Southern Nevada Opiate Response Series, focusing on addiction, recovery, and substance abuse disorder. The host welcomes Chief Judge Cynthia Cruz, who shares her insights and experiences from working in specialty courts.

Judge Cruz discusses the evolution of the opiate crisis, from prescription opioids to heroin and now polysubstance use involving fentanyl. She highlights the challenges individuals face in recognizing and addressing their addiction, especially with the changing landscape of drug use.

The conversation delves further into the transition from prescription opioids to heroin and the current trend of polysubstance use, where individuals mix various drugs like methamphetamine, Xanax, and fentanyl. Judge Cruz emphasizes the importance of understanding the dangers of these substances and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches.

The host and Judge Cruz explore the role of specialty courts in addressing addiction and providing a pathway to recovery. They discuss the success stories of individuals who have gone through the court system, received support, and transformed their lives. Judge Cruz emphasizes the importance of accountability, rehabilitation, and providing individuals with the tools and resources to make positive changes.

The episode highlights the unique approach of the court system in offering a combination of rehabilitation and accountability to help individuals break the cycle of addiction and reintegrate into society. Judge Cruz's dedication to guiding individuals towards a path of recovery and success is evident throughout the discussion.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Virginia Knudsen, the CEO of BOAR, a personal and professional development company focused on leadership. Virginia shared her journey from a successful banking career to becoming a passionate leader in the field of emotional intelligence and leadership development.

We delved into Virginia's background, starting from her early days in banking to her transition into leadership and coaching. She shared her experiences working under different leadership styles and how it shaped her understanding of effective leadership. Virginia highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it forms the foundation of great leadership.

Virginia discussed the birth of BOAR and the unique approach they take towards leadership development. She emphasized the importance of addressing the whole person, not just focusing on professional success but also personal growth. Virginia explained the various programs offered by BOAR, including the NextGen leadership program and the NextGen Level Up for executives.

A key takeaway from the episode was the significance of having tough conversations as a leader. Virginia stressed the importance of providing honest, direct, and timely feedback to help individuals grow and succeed. She shared insights on how to navigate these conversations effectively and the impact it can have on leadership development.

In this episode of the Heals Pod, host Diego Trujillo engages in a candid conversation with Lisa Cole, a candidate running for Nevada Assembly District 4. The episode delves into various topics, starting with Lisa's unexpected move to Las Vegas in 1998 and her background in environmental science. The conversation then transitions to the challenges faced in the healthcare workforce, legislative issues, and community development.

Diego and Lisa discuss the importance of foresight in healthcare workforce planning, highlighting the critical need for a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. They explore the workforce shortage in healthcare, particularly in mental health services, and the impact it has on the community. The conversation also touches on the complexities of land development and the need for affordable workforce housing to support employees in various industries.

Lisa shares her insights on the imbalance in the state legislature and the significance of maintaining a balanced approach to policy-making. She emphasizes the importance of preventing bad policy by analyzing bills for unintended consequences and considering the impacts on rural districts and small businesses.

Throughout the episode, Diego and Lisa engage in a thoughtful discussion on various topics, showcasing the importance of collaboration, foresight, and thoughtful decision-making in shaping the future of healthcare and community development in Nevada. The episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare workforce planning and legislative decision-making.

In this episode of HealsPod, we continued our Southern Nevada Opiate Response Series with Dr. Kelly Morgan joining us in the studio. Dr. Morgan, an expert in the field, shared insights from her experience working in the ER and with first responders in Las Vegas.

The conversation delved into the evolving landscape of opiate use and response in Southern Nevada. Dr. Morgan highlighted the increase in overdose cases, the challenges faced in the ER, and the emergence of xylazine as a potent contaminant in fentanyl. She emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address the crisis, including education, resource sharing, and policy changes.

The discussion also touched on the importance of harm reduction strategies, destigmatizing addiction, and the need for better coordination among healthcare providers and public health entities. Dr. Morgan shared her optimism for innovative solutions and the potential for progress in addressing substance abuse disorders in the region.

As the host, I underscored the significance of storytelling and education in raising awareness and garnering support for initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis. We discussed the challenges of piecemeal approaches to healthcare and the need for dedicated resources and coordinated efforts to drive meaningful change.

The episode concluded with a call to action for collaboration, advocacy, and informed decision-making in the upcoming legislative session to address substance abuse disorders and improve healthcare outcomes in Southern Nevada. Dr. Morgan's expertise and dedication to the cause were evident throughout the conversation, highlighting the importance of proactive measures and collective action in tackling complex healthcare challenges.

In this episode of the "Heals Pod," host Diego Trujillo welcomes guest Katie Waechter, the owner of Watch Media Group, a content writing and storytelling company specializing in healthcare and mental health. The episode delves into the importance of storytelling in these industries and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

Diego and Katie discuss the significance of storytelling in healthcare and mental health, highlighting the power of personal narratives in peer recovery and support. They emphasize the mentor-mentee relationships that naturally develop in these fields, where individuals further along in their journey can guide and inspire others.

The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in content creation and the need for authentic storytelling to connect with audiences effectively. Katie shares insights on the differences between content writing and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of engaging and unique storytelling to capture audience attention.

Furthermore, the episode explores the role of consistency in storytelling for businesses, with Diego and Katie discussing the challenges business owners face in crafting compelling narratives. They stress the need for businesses to understand their audience, maintain brand consistency, and focus on authentic storytelling to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shane Jasmine Young, a successful estate planning attorney based in Las Vegas. Shane shared her journey of starting her own law firm with her husband and the pivotal moments that led her to specialize in estate planning. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive estate planning to avoid probate, protect assets, and ensure smooth transitions for families. Shane also discussed the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, highlighting the crucial role of support from loved ones in pursuing one's passion. The episode delved into the intricacies of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and the significance of having a clear plan in place to avoid conflicts and ensure the smooth transfer of assets. Shane's personal anecdotes and professional insights provided valuable guidance for listeners on the importance of proactive planning and seeking the right expertise to navigate the complexities of estate planning.

As the host of the podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Liebo, a skilled nursing administrator, who shared her experiences and insights on inclusivity in healthcare. Julie discussed the historical challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in healthcare settings, highlighting the lack of acceptance and discrimination in the past. She emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients and staff members, sharing examples of how she has implemented changes in her facility to support diversity and equality.

Julie's personal experiences, such as supporting a same-sex couple in her facility and advocating for their rights, showcased the progress that has been made in healthcare towards inclusivity. She also addressed the need for ongoing education and awareness among healthcare professionals to ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

In this episode of The Heals Pod, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. James Utley, who joined us all the way from Panama City, Panama. Dr. Utley shared his journey of starting a stem cell regenerative medicine clinic called Origins in Panama City after conducting independent research in Las Vegas.

Dr. Utley discussed the process of using mesenchymal stem cells from donated umbilical cords at Origins, highlighting the ethical sourcing and transparency in their manufacturing process. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based treatments and the differences in regulations between Panama and the United States.

The conversation delved into Dr. Utley's background in the United States Navy and his experience in blood banking and transfusion services, leading to his passion for life sciences and stem cell research. He also touched upon the potential of stem cell treatments in various medical conditions, including osteoarthritis, injury recovery, autoimmune diseases, and autism.

We explored the challenges and opportunities in bringing stem cell therapies to the United States, with Dr. Utley expressing optimism about the future of cellular therapy and genetic engineering. He highlighted the need for more research and evidence-based practices to ensure safe and effective treatments for patients.

Diego Trujillo, the host of the Heals Pod, welcomes Judge Cynthia Dustin Cruz from Las Vegas Justice Court Department 5 as his guest on the latest episode. Judge Cruz specializes in adult drug court and DUI repeat offender court, which aim to connect treatment and wraparound services with judicial oversight to help individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

During the episode, Judge Cruz shares insights into the evolution of specialty courts in Nevada and the impact of grant funding on court programs. She discusses how the funding has enabled the court to provide essential services like housing, medical care, and identification assistance to individuals in need. By removing financial barriers, the court can create a stable and supportive environment for individuals to focus on their recovery and rehabilitation.

The conversation delves into the importance of peer support and community involvement in the rehabilitation process. Judge Cruz emphasizes the role of accountability and guidance in helping individuals navigate their recovery journey. The funding has allowed the court to expand its services and offer more holistic support to those in the justice system.