Trainings and Resources

RCORP-TA and federal experts provided updates on the process for obtaining and using a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder with ample time for questions and answers from participants. Presenter(s): Dr. Melinda Campopiano & Monica Rousseau, DrPH

Goals: Increase knowledge of harm reduction principles, strategies, and resources, increase knowledge of managed use, abstinence, and safer use to meet people who use drugs where they are at, provide a safe environment (plenaries and breakouts) to discuss licit and illicit drug use as a multi-faceted phenomenon requiring successful interventions and policies and increase knowledge of stigma as it relates to harm reduction principles and practices.

Numerous medications that are now available over-the-counter were once prescription-only, including antihistamines, nicotine replacement therapy, and certain analgesics. These nonprescription switches have benefitted public health efforts by establishing universal access, a prime example being the emergency contraceptive Plan B (levonorgestrel), a safe and effective treatment to prevent unintended pregnancy. Contrast this vignette to the current opioid overdose epidemic, now compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. From May 2019 to May 2020, more than 81,000 overdose deaths occurred in the United States, the highest number yet recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Buprenorphine/naloxone, an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, is sometimes diverted for non-medical use. In Rhode Island, the prevalence of opioid use and, more recently, of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply is driving overdose fatalities, which increases the need for treatment and raises questions about the changing role of diverted medication in shaping overdose risk.

Drug overdose deaths in the United States hit a record high in 2017, with an estimated 72,000  deaths. Over two-thirds of those deaths, roughly 47,600, were due to opioids.These  staggering numbers continued in 2018, as over 67,000 drug overdose deaths occurred, and  opioids were involved in rough 46,800 of those overdose deaths. This roadmap highlights existing state efforts and serves as a policy development tool for Governors and state officials seeking to improve coordination and bolster existing efforts across state agencies to address OUD among people involved in the justice system by expanding access to evidence-based medications.

HRSA has released a number of new resources to help recipients of Provider Relief Funds (PRF) comply with reporting requirements.  Those who received funds prior to June 30, 2020, can access the portal through September 30 for reporting purposes.  There is a fact sheet, frequently asked questions specific to new reporting, and a recording of the July 8 webcast explaining the new reporting portal. 

A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders. 

Under the program, Medicare-certified RHCs will receive direct COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions’ weekly allocation. Contact RHCVaxDistribution@hrsa.gov for more information. 

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced $398 Million for COVID-19 testing and mitigation.  The funds will be distributed by State Offices of Rural Health to 1,540 rural hospitals through the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program.

The telehealth implementation support tool is intended to be completed in around 20 minutes by a jail administrator, who may need input from other stakeholders. This evidence-based tool involves a self-administered questionnaire coupled with tip sheets on topics related to telehealth readiness, implementation and continuous improvement that stakeholders working with criminal justice partners can use when implementing telehealth for the first time or when expanding their implementation.