In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall, LMFT welcomes Dr. Eboni January—physician, author, and advocate—for a transformative discussion on empathy, maternal health, and the human side of medicine. Together, they examine how opioid use disorder impacts mothers and families, challenging traditional systems that punish rather than support.

Dr. January shares her experiences as both a provider and a mother, emphasizing that true healing begins with compassion—for patients and practitioners alike. This conversation explores the power of education, cultural competence, and self-care in reshaping healthcare systems, inspiring doctors and communities to lead with care, not cuffs.

This second Listening Session continues our exploration of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in special populations, shifting the lens to the full lifespan. Building upon Part 1's focus on youth and Tribal communities, Part 2 will examine the intergenerational and biological effects of opioid exposure from the womb through later life stages. Panelists will include a speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant working with opioid-exposed infants in neonatal care, a nutritionist exploring how OUD affects metabolism and nourishment, a biomedical engineer sharing technological approaches for assessing long-term developmental impact, and a gerontological expert addressing OUD in older adults.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall, LMFT sits down with Dr. Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a passionate advocate for youth mental health and community empowerment. Together, they explore how the opioid crisis impacts children, families, and educators—and how compassion, advocacy, and education can inspire systemic change. Dr. Raines shares insights on the importance of understanding the “why” behind student behaviors, the power of lived experience in shaping interventions, and the role of legislative wins in expanding access to mental health services. This heartfelt conversation emphasizes that healing begins in community—through empathy, collaboration, and the courage to take action for the next generation.