Addressing Substance Use in Rural America

Magazine Link: https://www.fletchergroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AUGUST-2023-RURAL-VOICES-MAGAZINE-ARTICLE-ABOUT-THE-FLETCHER-GROUP.pdf

The Fletcher Group uses an innovative housing
model and ground-breaking research.

With over 100,000 Americans dying of drug overdoses
each year, the need for safe, effective recovery support
services, including effective recovery housing, is greater
than ever. That’s especially true in rural communities
where few resources are available to counter the higher
rates of substance use disorders, morbidity, overdose,
and mortality found there.
With a staff of 33 in 13 different states—20 percent
having self-disclosed lived experience—the Fletcher
Group Rural Center of Excellence (RCOE) is one of only
three RCOEs in the nation. It is federally funded to
help rural communities address their substance use
challenges by providing technical assistance, training,
and original research. The other two are the Center
on Rural Addiction at the University of Vermont in
Burlington and the University of Rochester Medicine
Recovery Center of Excellence in Rochester, New York.

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FAQs

How can I learn more about the resources and services that are specifically available in my local area?

We encourage all visitors to the Rural SUD Info website to also explore additional resources and services available through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA),  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or Rural Health Information Hub (RHIHub).

How often are the Rural SUD Info Center materials updated?

Materials are updated on a quarterly basis.

How can I contact the Rural SUD Info Center?

Visit the request assistance page. https://ruralsudinfo.org/request-assistance/

Is there an Urban SUD Resource Center?

There is not an equivalent Urban SUD Resource Center. However, all of the information and tools on this website are available to the public, regardless of location or grant status. 

What are the Rural Centers of Excellence?

The RCOEs were established in 2019 by the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), an initiative of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that aims to reduce morbidity and mortality related to SUD in rural areas.

Myself, or someone I know, is in a crisis. What should I do?

Please call or text 988, or visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis

What is the Rural SUD Info Center?

The Rural SUD Info Center is a collection of best practices, tools, and research for rural communities building and strengthening a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder (SUD). These resources offer support to rural providers/partners, recovery specialists, rural community members, and more.

What resources are available for providers and patients?

Resources available for providers and patients include the Clearinghouse Resource Page. We also encourage visitors to fill out a technical assistance (TA) request for implementation support.

Where can I find rural providers in my area?

We encourage our visitors to use resources found throughout the Rural SUD Info
Center, along with Health
Resources & Services Administration, Rural
Health Information Hub, and the three RCOEs
to locate rural providers in your area.

Where can I find previous versions of toolkits?

All old versions of toolkits and resources are archived and can be retrieved through a request via the request assistance form.

Who operates the Rural SUD Info Center?

The Rural SUD Info Center is operated by the three RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders, which are funded by HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.

In Crisis? Call or Text 988