Rural Response to the Opioid Crisis – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jan 17, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amending their regulations to increase access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorders (OUD) through a telemedicine encounter. This rule expands the circumstances under which individual providers are authorized to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD via telemedicine, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter. This final rule is effective February 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 13, 2025 - Outlines the findings of a new study on the relationship between opioid use and homelessness in rural populations. Discusses the difficulty of accurately counting the number of homeless individuals in rural areas, and how this can lead to inadequate allocations of funding and resources.
Source: Georgia State University News
Dec 22, 2024 - Features harm reduction efforts by the Choctaw Nation in rural Oklahoma, funded through an Indian Health Service Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project grant. Describes the implementation of a multi-pronged approach including street-level naloxone distribution and training, expanded availability of medication-assisted treatment, and support for culturally-relevant recovery services.
Source: Native News Online
Dec 21, 2024 - Describes rising numbers of cardiovascular disease-related deaths among rural working-age adults. Explores a variety of factors contributing to rural-urban cardiovascular disparities, including elevated rates of opioid use and limited health care access in many rural communities. Discusses efforts by a research network to develop rural-specific solutions to increase access to cardiovascular care.
Source: NBC News
Last Updated: 1/15/2025