Rural Response to the Opioid Crisis – News

Study Examines Links Between Opioid Epidemic and Rural Homelessness

Jan 13, 2025 - Outlines the findings of a new study on the relationship between opioid use and homelessness in rural populations. Discusses the difficulty of accurately counting the number of homeless individuals in rural areas, and how this can lead to inadequate allocations of funding and resources.

view details

Choctaw Nation Found a Better Way to Deliver Harm Reduction. It's Working.

Dec 22, 2024 - Features harm reduction efforts by the Choctaw Nation in rural Oklahoma, funded through an Indian Health Service Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project grant. Describes the implementation of a multi-pronged approach including street-level naloxone distribution and training, expanded availability of medication-assisted treatment, and support for culturally-relevant recovery services.

view details

In Rural America, Heart Disease Is Increasingly Claiming Younger Lives

Dec 21, 2024 - Describes rising numbers of cardiovascular disease-related deaths among rural working-age adults. Explores a variety of factors contributing to rural-urban cardiovascular disparities, including elevated rates of opioid use and limited health care access in many rural communities. Discusses efforts by a research network to develop rural-specific solutions to increase access to cardiovascular care.

view details

SAMHSA: Notice of Meeting for the Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee (ISUDCC) Federal Register

Nov 18, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee (ISUDCC) on December 11, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The ISUDCC agenda will focus on the ISUDCC's recommendations to HHS on how the Federal Government can further integrate and coordinate harm reduction approaches and strategies across the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery policies, programs, and practices. Agenda items will also include presentations on the recent Harm Reduction Summit, the recovery and harm reduction workgroup, and an update on the Naloxone Saturation Policy Academy. Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website.

view details