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Impact of COVID-19 on Rural and Non-Rural Recovery Housing in the U.S.

Explore a research article about the impacts of COVID-19 on rural and non-rural recovery housing.

ABSTRACT: “This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on recovery housing (RH), an important resource for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). A cross-sectional survey was disseminated electronically between June and July of 2020 to RH owners and operators affiliated with Oxford House or the National Alliance of Recovery Residences nationwide. The survey intended to develop an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on RH in terms of (a) resident housing access, (b) mitigation strategies to reduce COVID-19 spread, (c) RH financials, and (d) health and well-being of residents and staff. Impacts were assessed among all houses in the sample and then by rurality of RH location (rural vs. nonrural). Among 1,419 respondents, only 4.6% reported positive COVID-19 cases, and 85% reported having implemented centers for disease control-recommended policies. More than half (59%) reported financial impacts, and close to half (49%) reported COVID-19 had “a lot of impact” on residents attending meetings. Rural RH represented only 9% of respondents and a greater fraction of rural RH respondents reported spending more on all COVID-19 expense categories compared to nonrural RH respondents. Compared to nonrural RH, rural RH were significantly more likely to report having a process for evaluating COVID-19 (p = .007), wearing masks (p = .047), taking temperatures (p = .042), and spending more on food due to COVID-19 (p = .015). With SUD rates and the associated morbidity and mortality from SUD continuing to rise, addressing the financial viability of RH, an important resource supporting individuals in recovery is crucial.”

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File Type: www
Categories: Community, Housing, Policy, Recovery
Tags: research
Author: Ashworth M, Clancy GL, Fletcher E, Johnson D, Sheridan D, Thompson RA

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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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