Presentation Summary: Welcome to My Backyard: How Rural Opioid Treatment Programs Bring Positive Change addresses barriers to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in rural communities through education and expanded access. The initiative combats the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) mindset by providing evidence-based resources to reduce stigma and misinformation. Additionally, the Rural Opioid and Direct Support Services (ROADSS) program increases access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through auxiliary clinics and mobile units. By fostering community acceptance and bringing treatment closer to home, this initiative improves health outcomes and strengthens support for sustainable opioid treatment in rural areas.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will:
Identify the unique barriers that limit access to opioid treatment programs in rural communities.
Explain the impact of stigma on the availability and acceptance of opioid treatment in rural areas.
Assess the effectiveness of auxiliary clinics and mobile medication units in expanding opioid treatment access for underserved populations.
