Families facing addiction or mental health challenges often find themselves searching for answers without knowing where to start, and a free community workshop in Reno is aiming to meet them there.
The Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN) is hosting a free educational event called Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions.Â
The event will take place on February 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Washoe County Commission Chambers.
The workshop is open to the general public and is funded through the City of Reno opioid funds received by the association.
Organizers say the event is focused on education, helping families better understand substance use and mental health conditions, learn how to support loved ones, and become familiar with community resources available in the area.
The Organization says the number of families impacted by addiction and mental health issues across the United States continues to grow. When a loved one struggles with alcohol or drug use or a mental health condition, families are often left feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help.
A panel of experts will provide information about substance use and mental health conditions, including how they affect individuals and families. The discussion will also cover ways people can support loved ones and what resources exist in the community.
BHAN says in Washoe County, suicides and fentanyl overdoses continue to occur at high rates.
Organizers say many people do not understand the impact of mental illness or the risks tied to substance use, including the effects of fentanyl.
The association says addressing the family component of addiction and mental health is critical to prevention efforts and believes increased awareness can help strengthen the community response.
