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Rural Health
News by Topic: Illicit drug use

Mar 6, 2024 - Announces nearly $50 million in new funding for the Rural Opioid Treatment and Recovery Initiative through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The funding can be used for both establishing new treatment and recovery services or expanding existing ones.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Feb 21, 2024 - Summarize a recent study finding race disparities in buprenorphine prescribing for in both rural and urban communities. Study examined 2018 prescribing data at the zip code level. Notes that the lack of medical providers for the rural minority communities is the reason for the rural disparity. Also discusses urban disparities trends and the impact these trends have on overdose mortality for various race and ethnicities.
Source: 90.5 WESA
Feb 2, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) modifying and updating certain regulatory provisions related to opioid treatment program (OTP) accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). These changes include making flexibilities established during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) permanent and expanding access to care and evidence-based treatment for OUD. This rule also removes all language and rules relating to the Drug Addiction and Treatment Act (DATA) Waiver from the regulations pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. This rule is effective April 2, 2024, and the compliance date is April 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register