Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Impact - Project Title: Rural Communities Opioid Response-Impact (RCORP-Impact) Applicant: Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems Inc. (SVCHS) Address: 319 Fifth Avenue, Saltville, VA 24370-3418 Project Director: Melissa Doane-Williams Phone Number: (276) 496-4492 E-Mail Address: mwilliams@svchs.com Web Site: www.svchs.com Brief Project Description: Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS), a federally qualified health center, has a strong history of integrating substance use disorder assessment and treatment into the primary care setting. This project will form a network to leverage SVCHS experience with that of seven other diverse network members. The network will focus on treatment and recovery for individuals impacted by substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD). Data focus areas addressed in this project are: justice-involved populations, children and adolescents, and evolving/emerging threats related to SUD/OUD, including fentanyl and xylazine. No person will be turned away due to inability to pay. Project objectives are: (1) Significantly expand access to New Day Recovery (NDR) office-based addiction treatment services in Smyth and Tazewell counties, including medication for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) and opioid use disorder (MOUD); outpatient family, individual and group therapies; and care coordination. (2) Establish the Community of Hope peer recovery center at NDR sites in Smyth and Tazewell counties, with referral pathways between network partners to focus on whole-person care and social determinants of health (SDOH) to support individuals in recovery. (3) Establish care pathways to ensure healthcare navigation and care coordination across the continuum of care in Smyth and Tazewell counties. Needs Addressed in the RCORP-Impact Project: According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 16.87% of VA residents age 12 and older have a SUD. Based on this estimate, there may be at least 10,339 individuals with a SUD in the SVCHS service area (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA, 2021-2022). The people of rural Central Appalachia (including Southwest VA) are at the epicenter of the drug overdose epidemic in the US. High rates of poverty and a lack of insurance influence this trend (Moody L, Satterwhite E, Bickel WK. Substance Use in Rural Central Appalachia: Current Status and Trtmnt Considerations. Rural MH. 2017 Apr;41(2):123-135). Service area incomes are significantly lower than state and national averages. Nearly half (43.5%) of residents are low-income, at or below 200% FPG, compared to 23.4% in VA overall and the US average of 28.8%. Nearly one in five (18.4%) residents live on incomes at or below 100% FPG, compared to 10.0% in VA and 12.5% in the US (ACS, Census Bureau, 2018-2022). Proposed Services: Minor renovation of two existing sites will create supportive amenities related to SDOH, with education, employment, and life skills opportunities. Peer Recovery Specialists and Healthcare Navigators will be key to the project, with additional SUD/MH Therapy and MAUD/MOUD provider capacity, leadership and support staff. Care pathways will be developed between network members to smooth transitions and create a continuum of care. Prevention strategies, including harm reduction will be incorporated. Naloxone training and distribution will be expanded. Community re-engagement strategies will be developed to support individuals and families in successful community living and sustained recovery. Additional collaboration from community organizations will be sought throughout the project period. Population to be Served: The rural target service area consists of Smyth and Tazewell counties in VA. The total population of the two-county service area is 70,191, including 30,513 residents who live on income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG). SVHCS will enhance and expand services to at least 360 persons by the end of the project.
