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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Substance use and misuse

Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances among Office-Based Physicians, 2017
Examines rates of electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), with information by type of physician practice, including rural or urban location, practice size, practice ownership, physician specialty, and technology available. EPCS is mandated for Medicare Part D providers by 2021, through the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act.
Author(s): Sonal Parasrampuria, Martin Blanco, Wesley Barker
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
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Needs Assessment Methodologies in Determining Treatment Capacity for Substance Use Disorders: Final Report
Presents the results from an environmental scan reviewing the literature on needs assessment methods and substance use disorder (SUD) needs assessment reports representing various interests, including rural and urban areas, researchers, government agencies, and private consultants. Highlights best practices for conducting SUD needs assessments, identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement in the available data, and discusses why SUD needs assessments are necessary.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organizations: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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The Providers
Collection of learning resources related to The Providers, a film which follows 3 healthcare providers employed at a group of safety-net clinics in northern New Mexico. Explores the physician shortage, health disparities, and the opioid epidemic in rural America. Geared toward high school and college students.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: PBS Learning Media
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Sociodemographic and Health Status Characteristics of Maine's Newly Eligible Medicaid Beneficiaries
Describes the sociodemographic characteristics, access to healthcare, and health status for Maine's adults with low income and no dependent children using data derived from the 2011-2016 Maine Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in preparation of Medicaid expansion. Offers recommendations to policymakers, providers, and other stakeholders supporting the effective implementation of Medicaid expansion to address the health needs of potential enrollees.
Author(s): Zachariah Croll, Erika Ziller, Barbara Leonard
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organizations: Catherine Cutler Institute, Maine Health Access Foundation
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State Strategies to Address Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Infants Prenatally Exposed to Substances, Including Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Identifies state strategies to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder and infants prenatally exposed to substances, including opioids. Discusses strategies focused on access to and coordination of quality services, including approaches such as telemedicine that are useful in rural areas. Also discusses strategies related to provider awareness and training and other topics.
Author(s): Charlan D. Kroelinger, Marion E. Rice, Shanna Cox, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 68(36), 777-783
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Dismantling Buprenorphine Policy Can Provide More Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Commentary focused on the impact buprenorphine prescribing policy has on access to opioid addiction treatment. Discusses the lack of providers waivered to prescribe buprenorphine in rural areas. Includes a map showing counties that lack providers who can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder.
Author(s): Alex E. Woodruff, Mary Tomanovich, Leo Beletsky, et al.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Current Perceptions, Behaviors & Prevention Strategies of Prescription Opioid Misuse
Reports the findings of a survey of 379 rural Montanans about the perception of prescription opioid misuse in their communities. Offers data on opioid use behavior and accessibility, medication disposal options, and methods of distributing information about opioids to family, friends, and community members.
Author(s): Michelle Grocke, Barbara Allen, Wendy Stevens, Kristen Vardanega, Sandra Bailey
Date: 08/2019
Sponsoring organization: Montana State University Extension
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The Prevalence of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Among Rural Latino Adults with Multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences in California
Presents a study on the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adult mental health and substance use issues among rural Latinos in California. Breaks down participants by age, sex, income, and education, among other measures.
Author(s): IrĂ¡n Barrera, Vrinda Sharma, Yumiko Aratani
Citation: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 21, 971-976
Date: 08/2019
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Scaling Up Hepatitis C Prevention and Treatment Interventions for Achieving Elimination in the United States: A Rural and Urban Comparison
Details a study on hepatitis C treatment and prevention interventions for people who use drugs in rural and urban areas. Compares the results of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and syringe service program (SSP) interventions in rural Perry County, Kentucky and urban San Francisco, California.
Author(s): Hannah Fraser, Claudia Vellozzi, Thomas J Hoerger, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Epidemiology, 188(8), 1539-1551
Date: 08/2019
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Disparities in Rural Tobacco Use, Smoke-Free Policies, and Tobacco Taxes
Highlights tobacco-related disparities in rural communities such as the prevalence of second-hand smoke, smoke free policies, and taxes on tobacco products. Discusses cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, tobacco industry influence, and best practices for rural communities.
Author(s): Kelly Buettner-Schmidt, Donald R. Miller, Brody Maack
Citation: Western Journal of Nursing Research, 41(8), 1184-1202
Date: 08/2019
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