Develop multifaceted, cross-sector approaches to addiction
While opioid and overall drug addiction impacts individuals in every socioeconomic sector, it takes a greater toll in low-income communities - individually and collectively.
Addiction programs require utilizing all resources at your disposal, from peer support to pain management to reversal drugs, among other tools. Working upstream on prevention and downstream on treatment techniques will provide an opportunity for positive outcomes.
To get started:
Coalesce stakeholders impacted by addiction or engaged in addiction programs to determine gaps in programming and unique challenges faced by the community (e.g., the opioid crisis faced by many communities today).
Identify your best role in the collaboration and research programs that have been able to produce outcomes in that role.
Consider non-traditional approaches, as issues such as opioid addiction have escalated into crisis levels in many communities.
Evaluate on an ongoing basis to ensure programs are producing tangible results for your community.
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
The National Rural Health Association brings together many different stakeholders and ideas in addressing rural health problems, such as the proliferation of opioid addiction.
