Weekly Newsletter

It will take collaboration across all corners of our state to tackle the housing crisis – and thanks to the Nevada Housing Coalition, hundreds of stakeholders from across the state gathered in Reno this week for the Nevada Housing Conference to discuss the future of affordable housing. Every day, I meet Nevadans impacted by the increasing prices and hear their stories – these are the stories I take with me when I meet with legislators and policymakers as we work to find solutions that work for all of our residents.

The Nevada Housing Coalition’s dedicated work and advocacy with the Nevada Housing Division directly lead to our $500 million “Home Means Nevada” initiative to build more essential, affordable housing units for lower-income Nevadans – and this week, the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee officially approved the second half of funding, $250 million, for the initiative. Later this month, the Nevada Housing Division will announce the first awards for developers to get projects underway and shovels into grounds.

The Interim Finance Committee also approved significant programs to improve quality of life for Nevadans, including the creation of a $100 million water infrastructure package, as well as funding for upgrades to governmental systems to better and more efficiently serve Nevadans. Learn more about the programs approved here.

 Thank you, 
Governor Sisolak 

Answering Nevada's Questions

Do you or someone you know receive Nevada Medicaid benefits? Be sure to stay up to date on upcoming changes. The Public Health Emergency declared during the COVID-19 pandemic is ending and Medicaid eligibility is changing as a result.

Q: What can I do to ensure I don’t lose coverage to health insurance?

A: While there is currently no end date for the Public Health Emergency, Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Health Link are working together to make sure those losing Medicaid have access to the best insurance options available.

There are four things to remember to stay up to date on Medicaid changes:

• Make sure all your contact information is up to date on the Nevada Medicaid database by clicking here.
• Losing Medicaid eligibility may qualify you for special enrollment through Nevada Health Link
• You have 60 days from loss of Medicaid coverage to find coverage that’s right for you through Nevada Health Link
• If you lose coverage, but believe you may still qualify, call 702-486-1646

Check out and share the news about these affordable rates at Nevada Health Link to ensure continuous coverage for you and your family. You may need to shop for other insurance options, including a qualified health plan through Nevada Health Link.

This Week’s Nevada Small Business Spotlight: FIG Strategy & Consulting

FIG Strategy & Consulting is a boutique firm based in Las Vegas focusing on the mission to change the way others think about diversity. They do this through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training and awareness, incorporating DEI into brand strategy, cultural awareness workshops, thought leadership and sensitivity training, strategic sourcing (matching minority suppliers to buyers), and strategic storytelling.

Most other diversity consulting companies concentrate on the internals — how many people of color, women, etc. are on your staff, are you providing equity for all, and do you have an inclusive culture? At FIG, they believe that’s only half the battle. The other half is putting your DEI efforts to work, turning your diversity initiatives into strategic action that is understood and supported in the internal organization, and is effectively communicated externally.

FIG has served the community for five years. For more information, visit their website www.figfirm.com or follow them on Twitter and Instagram. 

Resources for Nevadans

Message From the Governor’s Office for New Americans on the Recent DACA Ruling

On October 14, Federal Judge Hanen from the Southern District of Texas announced an order that allows for current DACA regulations to remain in place while the court reviews President Biden’s newly introduced version of DACA which aims at codifying & strengthening its protection.

This order as well prevents the Department of Homeland Security from granting DACA status to any NEW applicants but it is important to reiterate that DACA renewals are still open for all current DACA recipients.

The timeline for the Southern District of Texas court's decision on President Biden's new rule is unknown but it may take several more months before the court arrives at a final decision.

While this decision is being made, the Governor’s Office for New Americans remains committed to providing resources and navigational support to DACA recipients, their families, and ALL immigrant & refugee communities of Nevada.

For more information about our Office and services, please visit our website or call us at 702-486-0800.

EmployNV Job Fair in Sparks on October 26th

EmployNV is hosting a Job Fair in Sparks on October 26th to give jobseekers an opportunity to meet multiple employers, including Foot Locker, Amazon, H& T Battery Components, Saint Mary’s Health Network and more.

Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes to share with employers. Interviews are often done on-the-spot or scheduled on site.

When: Wednesday, October 26th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: EmployNV Career Hub, 2281 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431

Registration is encouraged by clicking here. Walk-ins are welcome.

Eligible Families Can Still Apply for the Expanded Child Tax Credit

This year the expanded Child Tax Credit is available to the families with children, offering up to $3,600 per child under 6 years old and $3,000 per child between 6 and 17 years old from the IRS. Even though the tax season has ended, it’s not too late for eligible families to claim the tax benefits they qualify for! The credit is not a loan.

All you have to do is file a simplified return through GetCTC.org/nv3 through November 15, 2022. Families who received monthly payments last year should use GetCTC.org/nv3 to get the second half of the credit this year. If you missed out on payments during 2021, you’ll still get the full credit when you use GetCTC.org/nv3 through November 15, 2022.

Plan Ahead for Earthquakes

Did you know? Nevada is one of the most seismically active states after California and Alaska. Do you know what steps to take before, during and after an earthquake?

Take a few minutes today, Nevadans, and create a plan and sign -up to participate in this year's Great Nevada ShakeOut event by registering at: www.shakeout.org/nevada. The time and date of the ShakeOut drill is Thursday, October 20 at 10:20 a.m. To date over 597,000 Nevadans are registered to participate in this year's event.

The Great ShakeOut is a worldwide event that encourages people and organizations to participate in an annual earthquake safety drill on their own or as part of a larger group. Participants are asked to organize “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drills for 60 seconds on ShakeOut Day at schools, businesses, government agencies, homes and other locations.

To learn more about DEM, visit dem.nv.gov and follow @NVEmergencyMgmt on:

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook
• Twitter 
• Instagram 

DEM also maintains the state’s Plan Ahead Nevada Preparedness website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.

Free Digital Discount Prescription Drug Card Available Now for All Nevadans

Nevadans can enroll for ArrayRx, a discount prescription drug card to save up to 80% on certain prescriptions. The digital discount card can help insured and uninsured residents save on prescription drugs.

Enrolling online takes only a minute, and all Nevadans are eligible regardless of age or income, and all FDA-approved prescriptions are eligible for discounts.

Learn more on ArrayRxCard.com.

Nevadans Reminded of COVID-19 Resources

The Nevada Health Response wants to remind Nevadans to take steps to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and prevent spread. COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are available in locations statewide and can protect against serious infection. Pre-exposure medication or oral antivirals and monoclonal antibody treatments are available to those that are eligible soon after infection occurs. .

Resources available to help Nevadans mitigate the risk of COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn about the vaccines available, and where and how to get your vaccination appointment at NVCOVIDFighter.com or call the vaccine hotline at 800-401-0946.

• Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. If you have symptoms or know that you have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested to prevent disease spread. Learn more about testing clinics, or free at-home tests available for pickup at https://www.nvcovidfighter.org/find-test

• Learn about therapeutics. COVID-19 treatment appointments can be made through Nevada’s hotline at 800-401-0946. The hotline can help determine if you are eligible for oral antivirals or monoclonal antibody treatments after infection or for pre-exposure medication to increase immune response if you were to be infected in the future. The pre-screening can also be done online at NevadaCOVIDTreatment.com

Getting to Know Your State Government

Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention

The Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention was established as a state agency in 2005 with Misty Vaughan Allen as the Statewide Coordinator. The Office of Suicide Prevention’s mission is to reduce the rates of suicide in Nevada through statewide collaborative efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate a state strategy which advances the goals and objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

Nevada ranks 12th in the nation for suicide rates, where suicide is the second leading cause of death for youths aged 10-24 and is the 4th leading cause of death for adults over the age of 65. In 2020, 603 Nevadans lost their lives to suicide, more than homicides and motor vehicle accidents combined. In collaboration with local agencies, organizations, and school districts, the Office of Suicide Prevention’s efforts are helping. Nevada traditionally has ranked in the top 10 for suicide death rates.

The Nevada Suicide Prevention Plan provides a catalyst for collaborative action, improved understanding, and increased wellness in communities across Nevada. This plan is based on the strong belief that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, and those individuals and groups which address the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of individuals and communities must work together if we are to be effective. The current team comprises of: Misty Vaughan Allen, Statewide Coordinator, Richard Egan, Training and Outreach Facilitator for Southern Nevada, Taylor Morgan, Training and Outreach Facilitator for Northern Nevada, Emma White, Project Aware Manager and Safe Messaging Specialist, and Mikayla Wilden, Project Aware Training Assistant. They will soon add additional support roles in both their Reno and Las Vegas offices.

For more information or if you are interested in attending a suicide prevention training, you’ll find the current training schedule at SuicidePrevention.NV.Gov.