Rural Communities Opioid Response Program MAT Expansion

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In line with our commitment to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with substance use disorder and opioid use disorder (SUD/OUD) in Northeast Indiana, we have been working to expand Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to high-risk rural communities in our area. Grant funding has been directed towards education, expansion, and targeted recruitment, with a focus on recruiting DATA waived providers who can prescribe MAT, developing physical spaces for treatment, reducing stigma, and providing outreach services for individuals in these rural communities in need of OUD/SUD treatment.

Through this initiative, we expanded MAT services in Huntington, Whitley, and Wabash counties . We increased the number of physicians who are DATA waived (i.e., licensed to provide MAT treatment) and provided educational outreach in these communities to help reduce the stigma associated with drug use treatment. We also identified agencies who have agreed to distribute naloxone in these rural communities and worked with them to develop spaces and protocols for safe delivery. Further, we increased referrals to wraparound services (e.g., assistance with housing, health insurance, psychological services) for individuals with OUD/SUD diagnoses.


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Funding

  • Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA) Grant# GA3RH33622

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