Rural Health
News by Topic: Substance use and misuse
Aug 18, 2026 - Highlights research finding that recent flooding in rural Appalachia increased opioid overdose deaths due to the stress of the event, disrupted treatment, and weakened support systems in the aftermath. Discusses data trends following severe floods and how lessons learned from one destructive flood prepared providers for future flooding disasters.
Source: Medical Xpress
Aug 10, 2026 - Discusses the MAT Mobile Clinic in Iowa, a mobile unit offering both medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders and wraparound services to improve recovery outcomes. The mobile unit improves access to treatment in rural communities, builds the knowledge base of local providers, and addresses stigma associated with substance use.
Source: Iowa Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - Shares discussion from the 8th annual Opioid Response
Summit, held in Bangor, Maine, on creative approaches to
bring recovery supports to remote areas of the state. Maine
has 19 recovery community centers, where people with
substance use disorder can attend support groups.
Source: The Maine Monitor
Jul 15, 2026 - Describes a North Carolina network offering training and support for healthcare providers offering medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through a hub-and-spoke model. Discusses how the model works in rural communities and integrating the treatment into primary care.
Source: The Daily Yonder