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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Substance use and misuse

Jun 10, 2026 - Notice of a request for information (RFI) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding substance research, policy, and strategies to improve the prevention, treatment, recovery from mental illness and substance use. HHS seeks information from public, patients, people with lived experience of addiction and recovery, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, policymakers and others on improvements to the programs and policies of the United States government and HHS that focus on substance use, including opioid and polysubstance use, prevention, treatment, and recovery as well as mental health treatment prevention, and recovery in all age groups. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to HHS. Comments are due by July 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2026 - Announces funding for a study that will scale up a pilot project increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Rural providers will have access to a mentor-based prescribing model. Also discusses how students have been involved with the research process.
Source: OHIO Today
Jun 8, 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding has been granted to 39 emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in North Carolina to enhance the EMS workforce as well as improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services through mobile integrated health. Describes drug overdose disparities in rural communities.
Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Jun 3, 2026 - Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 27, 2026 - Highlights a rural Missouri hospital pilot program ensuring discharged patients with an opioid addiction have medication treatment and quick access to a substance use recovery program. The program aims to reduce chances of relapse and a return hospital visit.
Source: KY3
May 26, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on a proposed extension for methodological field tests for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The tests will continue to examine ways to increase data quality, lower operating costs, and gain a better understanding of sources and effects of non-sampling error on NSDUH estimates. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2026 - Mercy Hospital Lebanon is piloting a program to help rural Ozarks substance use disorder patients get support during the crucial 72-hour period after opioid withdrawal. The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is now available at other Missouri communities including Aurora, Cassville, Carthage, and Mountain Home.
Source: Springfield News-Leader via AOL
May 15, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded Vibrant Emotional Health $255 million to administer a suicide and crisis hotline. The 988 Lifeline allows people to reach crisis counselors 24/7 for help with a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 12, 2026 - A University of Michigan study reports that the link between neighborhood disadvantage and cigarette use appears only in rural areas. Researchers said the pattern suggests weaker tobacco control policies and more permissive smoking norms in rural communities.
Source: Medical Xpress
May 8, 2026 - A recent episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast features 3 healthcare and public health experts, who discuss how statewide health challenges are affecting Iowa's economy. They point out that these issues have implications for employers, workforce stability, and long-term economic growth.
Source: Business Record