Rural
Illicit substance use and misuse has both increased the demand for behavioral health services and exacerbated the behavioral health workforce shortage across the country. Treatment resource gaps are especially acute in rural communities, due to fewer treatment providers; lack of specialty substance use and misuse treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment; limited transportation resources; and greater travel distances to access care. Improving the capacity of rural communities relies on strategic partnerships and collaborations that utilize technologies and other community resources to enhance treatment capacity and quality.
Related Subjects
Rural Responses to the Opioid
Epidemic Project
The Rural Responses Initiative was designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdoses among individuals who encounter law enforcement or are involved in the criminal justice system in high-risk rural communities and regions.
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Reaching Rural Fellows Program
The Reaching Rural Initiative brings together rural practitioners from different professional backgrounds and areas throughout the country to support them as they grow as leaders and advance solutions to address the persistent challenges of substance use in their communities.
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