Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
4-2017
Keywords
rural, opioid, prevention, behavioral health, substance abuse, qualitative, population health, Maine Rural Health Research Center, MRHRC, substance use disorders
Abstract
Although opioid use rates are comparable in rural and urban counties, rural opioid users tend to be younger, unmarried, have lower incomes, and are more likely to lack health insurance, all vulnerabilities that may negatively impact their ability to seek treatment and recover. Additionally, the rural health care system is characterized by numerous resource, workforce, access, and geographic challenges that complicate the delivery of specialized care for OUDs in rural communities. The nature and scope of the opioid crisis vary across rural communities and require multifaceted, community-based strategies to address the problem. Based on interviews with key stakeholders in Indiana, North Carolina, Vermont, and Washington State, this qualitative study explores promising state and community strategies to tackle the opioid crisis in rural communities and identifies rural challenges to the provision of OUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Funding Organization
Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services
Grant Number
CA#U1CRH03716
Recommended Citation
Gale JA, Hansen AY, Elbaum Williamson M. Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Strategies: The Experience in Four States. Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Muskie School, Maine Rural Health Research Center; April, 2017. Working Paper #62.
