https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/prescription-drug-misuse Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Prescription drug misuse - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.ky3.com/2026/05/27/whats-going-around-mercy-pilots-opioid-addiction-program-reach-rural-communities/ 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38591 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.aol.com/news/mercy-program-changes-opioid-addiction-085730136.html 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38570 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://dailyyonder.com/report-deaths-of-despair-decline-nationwide-but-still-more-prevalent-in-appalachia/2026/05/05/ According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38501 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500