Partnership director talks to Rotary

Partnership Douglas County is a nonprofit coalition founded in 1993 to bring new substance-abuse programs to the community, while attempting to eliminate duplicative services among provider agencies. PDC is one of 10 such coalitions in Nevada and is the only one located in Douglas County. PDC can apply for funds and then is able to fund other nonprofits as a pass through to assist DC residents. PDC works with youth organizations, law enforcement/judicial, schools, civic and volunteer groups, media, State/local government, healthcare, business community and faith-based organizations. PDC receives primarily funding through federal and state funding sources, with very little coming from donations.

PDC does a lot of behavioral health advocacy work, which is the combination of mental health and substance abuse disorders, through outreach and education and help with some policies. They do substance abuse education within the schools in the community. PDC runs an Empowering Youth group at the high schools and middle schools that teaches drug prevention, leadership skills, activities, visits to the legislature and opportunity to attend a youth camp.

One of the programs highlighted was “Catch my Breath” which is for students caught Vaping and other forms of smoke-related activities, in school. “Catch my Breath” diverted students to an educational curriculum instead of getting suspended. Surveys taken in 2021 and 2023 by Douglas County teens (13-17) identified Vaping as the No. 1 issue impacting them. In 2023, issues impacting teens, from 1 (most impacted) - 10 (least impacted) were: Vaping, Anxiety/Stress, Bullying/Shaming,Mental Health, Alcohol, Depression, Racism, Marijuana, Violence and Other.

If you would like additional information/resources on PDC visit pdcnv.org — they have a great resource guide of services available in Douglas County.

Upcoming events:

Prescription Drug Round-up will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct.19 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (1038 Buckeye Rd, Minden). In April, Partnership collected over 500 pounds of expired drugs (OTC and prescription - no needles, explosives), in partnership with the DCSO.

Do Good with Chipotle. Valid only in Carson City Chipotle, help us raise funds to support youth drug prevention efforts and programs within Douglas County. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us on Oct. 26.

Trunk or Treat is 3-8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is a safe alternative to trick or treating. Join us for an afternoon filled with games, music, and tons of Halloween fun. This event is drug and alcohol-free to ensure a safe and fun environment for all.

Singer is a sixth-generation Nevadan who started at Partnership DC at the age of 17. She received an AA from Western NV College and a BS from Sam Houston State University. She is the Executive Director of Partnership DC and is the youngest executive director of a nonprofit in Nevada.

The Rotary Club of Minden meets noon most Thursdays at the COD Casino. Douglas County Library Director Tim DeGhelder is speaking Oct. 3.