Life-Saving Policies: Addressing Stigma and Enhancing Naloxone Awareness for People on Community Supervision
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SESSION INFO

Monday, January 27, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Naloxone (Narcan) is vital in preventing opioid overdoses, especially for those under community supervision who are at high risk of drug-related deaths. Despite its importance, there's a limited understanding of community supervision officers' knowledge and perceptions of Naloxone. This gap is concerning as officers are key in addressing barriers to Naloxone access for their clients. To address this, we surveyed APPA members about their knowledge, views, and experiences with Naloxone. The workshop will present these findings, offer policy and practice recommendations, and encourage audience engagement on the implications for community supervision. Additionally, the workshop will feature a presentation and panel discussion with Brent Nowak from Shine A Light, a Las Vegas non-profit that distributes Narcan to people experiencing homelessness. He will share their approach to discussing Naloxone and address barriers highlighted in the study, including challenges related to knowledge, stigma and the lack of standardized policies in community supervision agencies.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Linsey Belisle
Assistant Professor , Boise State University


Linsey A. Belisle, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Public Service at Boise State University. She is an applied correctional scholar emphasizing research among populations disproportionately impacted by the criminal and juvenile-legal system. Her recent work focuses on advancing the treatment of justice-involved youth and adults through evidence-based correctional practices, gender responsivity, and harm reduction. Linsey engages in community-based research and regularly partners with correctional agencies to conduct research projects that will directly benefit the agency, as well as volunteer her time and services to support rehabilitation efforts.

Dr. Kimberly Kras
Assistant Professor, San Diego State University


Kimberly Kras Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University, where she teaches in the Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, following a career with the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole. Dr. Kras also holds a Masters in Criminal Justice and Criminology and Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Kras’ research examines the lived experiences of people experiencing reentry from prison and their process toward desistance. She also serves as the Co-Editor of Perspectives journal for the American Probation and Parole Association.

Brent Nowak
Engagement Liaison , Shine A Light


Brent Nowak is the Engagement Liaison for Shine A Light in Las Vegas, NV. He is a vital Shine A Light team member, using his personal recovery journey to support individuals facing homelessness and substance use disorders. Having overcome a decade of homelessness and drug abuse, Brent exemplifies resilience and serves as an inspiration to others seeking stability. His expertise goes beyond case management; his previous role as a Court Liaison with Freedom Behavioral Health equipped him with a deep understanding of legal processes and diversion programs, enhancing his ability to assist individuals in navigating legal challenges. Additionally, Brent has been actively involved in community engagement, emphasizing the importance of connecting individuals with support networks. As a Community Liaison at Crossroads of Southern Nevada, he has played a crucial role in bridging gaps between the organization and the community. Brent’s diverse professional background and personal experience illustrate his comprehensive approach to helping others recover and stabilize. Through his case management, court liaison duties, community outreach, and fundraising work, Brent remains committed to positively impacting lives, fostering community, and creating pathways to a brighter future for those he serves.

Tereza Trejbalova
Assistant Professor , San Diego State University


Tereza Trejbalová, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University. Her research interests include examining institutional misconduct and recidivism of different system-impacted populations (especially individuals on death row, individuals with severe mental illness, and women), prison experiences of those incarcerated, and impacts of prison programming. Trejbalová authored and co-authored works that have appeared in outlets such as The Prison Journal, Feminist Criminology, International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, and Journal of Criminal Justice Education.