Oklahoma State University

The Muskogee Opioid Response Coalition (MORC) is a community-based, county-wide coalition that was formed in response to the opioid epidemic’s impact on the State of Oklahoma, and more specifically, Muskogee County. In 2016, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported Muskogee County as in the top five counties for the highest unintentional poisoning death rates, with at least one prescription opioid involved. The Coalition came together as a result of the efforts of Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Health Sciences (CHS) and College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (COM) National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR), through an application for HRSA’s RCORP Planning grant. After careful analysis of the “hotspots” around the state for high opioid prescribing rates and high opioid overdose rates, the NCWR chose Muskogee County for both of those issues, as well as the county’s close proximity to the NCWR central offices in Tulsa County. More importantly, the willingness, passion, experience, and expertise of the SUD/OUD service providers and other organizations in the Muskogee County area drove the collaborative effort to combat the epidemic in their community. There are currently nine community members, representing law-enforcement, SUD/OUD prevention, treatment and recovery (PTR) providers, and faith-based organizations. The Coalition convener is the NCWR, representing an academic health center, osteopathic medical school and teaching hospital, as well as serving as a SUD/OUD PTR provider for the Tulsa Metropolitan Service Area (MSA). The MORC aims to improve the lives of Muskogee County residents by reducing morbidity and mortality associated with substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), through prevention, treatment, and recovery (PTR). The MORC Implementation Project, led by the nine Coalition members, will use the five-point HHS strategy as guiding principles and direction, and will target rural Oklahoma communities at the highest risk for SUD/OUD. By expanding opportunities for SUD/OUD programs, services, and supports in Muskogee County, this Implementation Project will mitigate barriers and help residents in rural Oklahoma access treatment and move closer to recovery.