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Our Mission

To Identify and share evidence-based programs and best practices spanning SUD Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in rural communities

History of the Rural Centers of Excellence

The Rural Centers of Excellence (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 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in rural areas. The Rural SUD Info Center resources and events are free and available to the public. Technical assistance support from the Rural Centers of Excellence is available to HRSA-designated rural communities.

Meet Our Three Rural Centers of Excellence

Rural Center of Excellence on SUD Prevention at the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence develops resources and programs to support rural communities in their efforts to prevent and reduce the impact of substance use and SUDs. Evidence-based resources—brief videos and training modules; infographics and articles; fact sheets, workflows, and more—focus on overdose and suicide prevention, access to and engagement in care, and reducing stigma. The center’s current initiatives include expanding efforts to reduce stigma, disseminating rurally-adapted practices related to pain management, and implementing and sharing programs focused on prevention for adolescent and youth populations in rural communities.  

Rural Center of Excellence on SUD Treatment at the University of Vermont

The University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction (UVM CORA) places its emphasis on evidence-based treatment of OUD and other SUDs, with a special focus on adapting strategies for use among practitioners and patients in rural communities. Led by faculty with years of experience developing and evaluating empirically-supported interventions, UVM CORA has created a robust digital library tailored to those needs. These resources include data-based reports on the challenges rural providers face and rural patient experiences, reviews of recent research publications relevant to rural populations, resource guides of best practices in the treatment of OUD and SUDs, and Community Rounds webinars from experts discussing patient-focused treatments, innovative technology, telehealth, and harm reduction approaches. Overall, the resources that UVM CORA contributes to the Clearinghouse can enable providers to better meet the OUD and SUD treatment needs of rural populations.

Rural Center of Excellence on SUD Recovery at the Fletcher Group

The Fletcher Group researches and promotes effective practices and public policy that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities with a focus on addictive diseases, including opioid and substance use disorders. Fletcher Group’s Rural Center of Excellence engages in original recovery research, develops tools and resources, and supports rural communities with training and capacity building. RCOE activities include developing comprehensive rural community recovery campuses, expanding access to evidence-based recovery housing, strengthening the certified peer support specialist workforce, and increasing the hiring and retention of individuals in recovery.

How We're Working Together

Welcome to the Rural SUD Info Center, a collection of best practices, tools, and research for rural communities as they work to build and strengthen a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder (SUD). These resources offer support to rural providers/partners, recovery specialists, rural community members, and more.

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This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of awards totaling $10 million with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

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