|
Welcome to our quarterly newsletter. We are excited to share research, resources and news from UVM's Center on Rural Addiction (CORA).
|
|
|
Expanded Naloxone Distribution to Reduce
Rural Opioid Overdose Mortality
Each quarter, CORA publishes synopses of key research papers. In this spotlight, we explore the need for increased naloxone distribution to reduce opioid overdose deaths in rural communities. Click here or on the image below to access the document.
|
|
Technical Assistance at CORA
|
|
|
|
Getting Naloxone Out Into the Community
CORA meets with many organizations to learn about their unique needs and to offer them technical assistance (TA) in the form of connections, resources, and supplies. Below we detail the TA process for one coalition.
The Organization
This was a rural non-profit coalition working in substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. The organization was the recipient of a HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Implementation Grant for FY2021.
Discussions with CORA
First Meeting: The coalition explained it was holding a series of community forums on opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. The representative requested help in making harm reduction supplies available to the larger community. CORA agreed to send them supplies and also provided information about NaloxBox (emergency kits that make naloxone readily available in public spaces).
Follow-up Meeting: The coalition representative stated their team was ready to establish NaloxBox sites around the community in order to disseminate Naloxone. “Hotspots” identified for placement of devices included: motel lobbies, next to AED machines, libraries, school cafeterias, temporary construction sites and the bus depot. CORA further suggested connecting with local EMS and police department for more recommendations.
CORA's Response
As a result of the meetings and later conversations with the coalition, the following supplies were mailed to the organization:
To reach out to CORA about technical assistance, click HERE.
|
|
|
The Maine Baseline Needs Assessment (BNA)
Rural Practitioners and Stakeholders Report
UVM CORA is excited to share our Maine Baseline Needs Assessment (BNA) Rural Practitioners and Stakeholders Report (below). Our BNA gathered direct input from a multi-disciplinary group of practitioners and stakeholders in Maine to identify current and future substance use treatment needs and barriers in rural communities.
This report describes Maine practitioners’ and community stakeholders’ concerns about substance use, perceived barriers to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, beliefs about OUD treatment, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and treatment. It also includes findings related to practitioners’ comfort providing substance use treatment and priorities for UVM CORA resources. As an evidence-based center, we look forward to using what we have learned from the Maine BNA to inform the resources, trainings, and education we offer to rural providers and stakeholders.
Please click here or the image below to view the report. Find all the latest reports written by our Surveillance & Evaluation team at https://uvmcora.org/resources/.
|
|
Drug use severity in adolescence affects substance use disorder risk in adulthood
National Institute on Drug Abuse — NIH-funded study shows screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult prescription drug use and misuse and prevent overdose.
More states allow fentanyl test strips as a tool to prevent overdoses
CNN Health — Many public health and addiction experts promote the rapid testing devices as what's known as a "harm reduction" tactic to help prevent overdose deaths from illicit drugs that users may not know are laced with fentanyl.
The FDA Is Moving Forward with a Menthol Cigarette Ban. Here's What the Science Says
Time — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving forward with plans to ban menthol cigarettes and all flavored cigars—policies that agency officials say could help prevent some of the roughly 500,000 U.S. deaths linked to tobacco each year.
|
|
UVM CORA Conducts its First Best Practices Scholarship Program
 On April 1st and 2nd, 2022, four clinicians from a rural primary care clinic in Vermont joined UVM CORA in Burlington for our first Best Practices Scholarship Program. This in-person program had been customized with the clinic's input and highlighted key areas of CORA’s expertise such as drug classes, stigma, and treatment modalities. Informal, interactive presentations were given by CORA faculty, clinicians, and staff, with additional time dedicated to questions and case-based discussions.
The next Scholarship Program will occur this fall. Specific dates and application details coming soon!
Upcoming Community Rounds Session
Strategies for Distributing Naloxone to Rural Communities
Please join us on Wednesday, July 13th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST for a UVM CORA Community Rounds Workshop series session, “Strategies for Distributing Naloxone to Rural Communities.” Our speakers are Geoff Capraro, MD, and Brooke Lawrence, co-founders of NaloxBox, an organization whose mission is to reduce harm from opioid use disorder by improving access to naloxone. This presentation will explore the need for naloxone distribution in rural areas and discuss innovative methods and technologies for increasing access.
REGISTER HERE
Can't make it? Watch the webinar recording to claim Continuing Education credits (within one month of the live event). Register for the webinar before July 13th so that you'll receive the recording later!
Highlighted CORA Publications
Brooklyn, J.R., and D.E. Matthews. 2022. Simple, Rapid Spectrophotometric Assay of Dispensed Methadone for Diversion Control. Journal of Addiction Medicine. doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000990
Leventhal, A.M., D. Hongying, and S.T. Higgins. Smoking Cessation Prevalence and Inequalities in the United States: 2014-2019. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 114(3):381–390. doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djab208
Villanti, A.C., S.E. LePine, C. Peasley-Miklus, J.C. West, M. Roemhildt, R. Williams, and W.E. Copeland. 2022. COVID-related distress, mental health, and substance use in adolescents and young adults. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 27(2):138–145. doi.org/10.1111/camh.12550.
Professional Opportunities at CORA
Office Support Program Generalist
This person will be responsible for supporting the Clinical Rapid Response Team and Clinical & Translational Core administrative needs. They will coordinate, schedule, and provide logistical support for peer recovery coaching and mentoring.
Researcher Analyst
This person will design and lead data collection efforts, conduct complex statistical analyses, and interpret resulting data for multiple projects. They will be responsible for creating clear and useful data-based reports and recommendations for UVM CORA faculty and staff, partners, and stakeholders.
Administrative Coordinator
This person will provide high-level administrative support and leadership. They will be responsible for supporting strategic planning for Core operations, finalizing deliverables, and developing and maintaining processes for tracking complex Clinical & Translational Core activities.
Outreach Coordinator
This person will primarily build and maintain partnerships with clinicians and partners in mostly local rural communities. Duties include developing and overseeing community services, resources, and educational projects, and overseeing needs assessments and evaluations of clinical educational offerings.
Research Project Assistant
This person will provide research assistance for the Education & Outreach Core. Duties include assisting with large-scale data collection and educational systems for rural providers; preparing grant deliverables including compilation of qualitative and quantitative data related to Core objectives; and supporting dissemination activities and research on new evidence-based SUD treatment practices for curriculum and materials development.
|
|
Virtual and In-Person Events
The Fletcher Group Rural Recovery Center of Excellence
Webinar: Resources and Best Practices for Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Rural Communities
June 2, 2022 2:00 PM
Presenters: Faculty & staff from the UVM Center on Rural Addiction
RCORP-TA
Webinar: Unique Challenges for American Indian/Alaskan Native in Stable/Safe Housing in Tribal Communities and SUD
Jun 7, 2022 2:00 PM
Presenters: Freida Saylor, DSW, MSW, LCSW, LCAS; Katelynn Ledford, PSS; Josie Owle, CDAC
53rd New England School of Addiction and Prevention Studies
Virtual intensive learning experience
June 6, 2022 - June 10, 2022
The Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence
Summit: Building Rural Recovery Ecosystems Summit
June 8 - 10 Memphis,TN (registration still open for virtual attendance)
(This event will feature CORA’s Dr. Kelly Peck)
COBRE on Opioids and Overdose
Webinar: Toxicity of Xylazine and How It Impacts People Who Use Drugs
Jun 9, 2022 11:30 AM
Presenter: Dr. Joseph D'Orazio
RCORP-TA
Webinar: Advancing Access to Care for Addicted and Unhoused Populations
Jun 21, 2022 2:00 PM
Presenter: Jeffrey McQueen MBA, LCDC
Summit: Governor Mills’ Annual Opioid Response Summit
July 11, 2022 Bangor, Maine (live in person)
SAVE THE DATE
Resources
Vermont Center on Behavior and Health
Recording: Pharmacology of Fentanyl and Its Implications for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Center for Innovation and Engagement
Resource: Tips for Working With People Who Use Drugs—In the Pandemic Era and Beyond
National Council for Wellbeing
Toolkit: Establishing Peer-Support Services for Overdose Response: A Toolkit for Health Departments
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded Opioid Response Network (ORN) has launched the Stand Against Stigma Challenge for those in the healthcare industry
|
|
To request a presentation or
educational resources, CLICK HERE
|
|
|
Did someone forward this newsletter to you?
|
|
|
|
If you'd like to subscribe to this quarterly newsletter and learn about other CORA opportunities, click below
|
|
|
The University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction was established in September 2019 through a cooperative agreement with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). The mission of UVM CORA is to provide treatment providers and staff in HRSA-designated rural counties with the technical assistance and resources in evidence-based practices that may support their efforts to treat patients with opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders.
 The Robert Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), to provide continuing medical education for the healthcare team. The University of Vermont designates each session of this internet live activity for a maximum of 1AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)TM. Each physician should claim only those credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This program has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 1 Nursing Contact Hours. As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The University of Vermont maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1 general continuing education credits
|
|
|
|
|
