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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Substance use and misuse

Notes from the Field: HIV Infection Investigation in a Rural Area — West Virginia, 2017
Reports on an investigation by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources that began with 10 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection identified in 3 counties during January-July 2017. Describes how the investigation broadened to 15 counties based on injection drug use and sexual contacts. Identifies risk reduction and treatment options available in these counties and discusses strategies undertaken to limit further transmission of HIV.
Author(s): Mary E. Evans, Sarah M. Labuda, Vicki Hogan, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(8), 257-258
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Suicides Among American Indian/Alaska Natives — National Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2003-2014
Compares differences in suicide characteristics and circumstances between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and White populations. Includes data on age, sex, nonmetropolitan residence, mechanism and location of suicide, interpersonal circumstances, life stressors, mental health, and substance use.
Author(s): Rachel A. Leavitt, Allison Ertl, Kameron Sheats, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(8), 237-242
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Pain in the Nation Update: Deaths from Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Reach the Highest Level Ever Recorded
Report details deaths related to alcohol, drugs, and suicide across the nation. Highlights rates for non-metro areas, as well as by sex, and by age groups, among others.
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Trust for America's Health
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Rural Child Welfare Practice
Issue brief discussing the needs and concerns of rural children and families, including healthcare and social services. Examines factors linked to child maltreatment, such as poverty, violence, and substance use, and features descriptions of successful programs designed to promote child welfare in rural areas of Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, and Colorado, as well as Appalachian Ohio and Kentucky.
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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The Opioid Crisis: The Role of Technology and Data in Preventing and Treating Addiction
Highlights the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the use of data and technology interventions in combating the opioid epidemic. Features testimony from representatives of Express Scripts, the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, the Santa Clara University Public Health Program, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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The Opioid Crisis: Impact on Children and Families
Presents the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the opioid crisis's effect on children and families. Features testimony from representatives of the 525 Foundation, Casey Family Programs, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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Intensive Referral to Mutual-Help Groups: A Field Trial of Adaptations for Rural Veterans
Highlights a study on the effect of mutual help groups (MHGs) on outcomes for rural veterans with substance use disorder within the VA's Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. Breaks down data by age, and substance use, among other factors.
Author(s): Kathleen M. Grant, Lance Brendan Young, Kimberly A. Tyler, et al.
Citation: Patient Education and Counseling, 101(1), 79-84
Date: 01/2018
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Injection Drug Use and Overdose among Young Adults Who Use Prescription Opioids Non-Medically
Examines the injection drug use of non-medical prescription opioids by young adults, age 18-29, in Rhode Island. Correlates certain characteristics including race, rural residency, homelessness, previous arrests, childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and experiences with accidental overdose to a high prevalence of lifetime injection drug misuse.
Author(s): Elliott J. Liebling, Traci C. Green, Scott E. Hadland, Brandon D.L. Marshall
Citation: Addictive Behaviors, 76, 20-26
Date: 01/2018
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Rapid Review of Rural Health Research: Resources for the Five Leading Causes of Death
Prepared to accompany the December 12-13, 2017 workshop What Works for Rural: From Research to Reality. Compiles research and resources gathered online from October 2013 to December 2017 on the topics of cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, and unintentional injury, which includes a subsection on drug overdoses and opioids.
Date: 01/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Georgia Health Policy Center, National Network of Public Health Institutes
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Rural Health Research Recap: Opioid Use and Treatment Availability
Summarizes key findings from the Rural Health Research Centers' most recent research on opioid use and treatment. Focuses on research related to opioid use in rural communities, treatment for opioid use disorder, perceived need and use of treatment, and rural community response. Provides links to each of the referenced source documents.
Author(s): Shawnda Schroeder
Date: 01/2018
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Research Gateway
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