Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), the NCADD Affiliate in Reno, Nevada, is a member of the Nevada Statewide Coalition Partnership, a collaborative effort of 14 partner coalitions with a focus on substance abuse prevention.

In the photo – JTNN staff Jennifer DeLett-Snyder and Kevin Quint.

In October, JTNN and its partner coalition hosted a 2-day Nevada Drug Summit for stakeholders from across the state. The audience comprised mostly of law enforcement personnel, district attorneys, school and public health administrators, and elected officials learned about the magnitude of Nevada's drug problems and strategies from national and local experts to address those problems.

The second year of the invite-only event began with a full day of presentations relating to marijuana. Kevin Sabet, Former Senior Advisor to Director Gil Kerlikowske at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, kicked off the summit with a presentation discussing the truths and urban myths about marijuana. He was followed by other speakers who discussed the effects of marijuana on the brain and body, how to protect our children if marijuana is legalized for recreational use, and the impact of indoor and outdoor grows.

The second day's schedule provided attendees with an update on synthetic drugs, a look at the state's prescription monitoring program, and in depth presentations about overprescribing, opiate addiction, and supply reduction.

In addition to the main conference, a half-day CME session was offered to physicians and other prescribers to learn about marijuana and prescription opiates. Dr. Mel Pohl, Medical Director of Las Vegas Recovery Center, and a member of the NCADD Medical-Scientific Committee, presented to both groups. Over 220 guests attended the full summit, and 120 medical personnel attended the physician training.

Since Nevada is a fairly rural state, the summit provides a venue for attendees to interact with peers from outside of their communities to gain valuable insight into what others are doing in Nevada. JTNN and its partners hope to be able to host another summit in late 2013 or early 2014.

Join Together Northern Nevada is the largest substance abuse coalition in Northern Nevada with a mission to build successful partnerships to create healthy, drug-free communities.

For more information contact:
Kevin Quint, Executive Director
Jennifer DeLett Snyder, Information and Training Manager
Join Together Northern Nevada
505 S. Arlington, Suite 110
Reno NV 89509
775-324-7557
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http://www.jtnn.org