Rural Communities Opioid Response (Planning) - PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY Applicant Organization: Gallatin County Champions for a Drug-Free Gallatin County Project Title: Gallatin County Rural Substance Use Disorder System Planning Initiative Funding Opportunity: HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Planning HRSA-26-036 Project Period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028 Service Area: Gallatin County, Kentucky Project Director: Steven Coomer Project Summary: Gallatin County Champions for a Drug-Free Gallatin County seeks funding through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Planning grant to strengthen the rural substance use disorder (SUD) service system serving Gallatin County, Kentucky. Gallatin County is a federally designated rural community that continues to experience significant challenges related to opioid use disorder (OUD), methamphetamine use, polysubstance use, behavioral health concerns, transportation barriers, workforce shortages, and limited access to treatment and recovery support services. The purpose of this project is to establish and strengthen a multi-sector rural network that will assess community needs, identify service gaps, engage key stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive strategic action plan to improve prevention, treatment, recovery, and supportive services for individuals impacted by substance use disorder. The project will focus on planning and capacity-building activities and will not provide direct services. Gallatin County Champions will convene a network of healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools, local government representatives, faith-based organizations, emergency responders, recovery advocates, individuals with lived experience, and other community stakeholders. Key partners include NorthKey Community Care, Gallatin County Schools, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, Gallatin County Drug Court, Gallatin County Fiscal Court, Gallatin Community Church, Gallatin County EMS, regional healthcare providers, and Epiphany Evaluation Services. Project activities will address the three required RCORP Planning objectives by: (1) strengthening and sustaining a collaborative network of community partners; (2) conducting a comprehensive assessment of substance use disorder-related needs, assets, service gaps, and barriers throughout the service area; and (3) preparing providers and community organizations for future expansion of prevention, treatment, recovery, and supportive services. By the conclusion of the project period, Gallatin County Champions and its partners will have established a sustainable planning network, completed a comprehensive community assessment, developed a multi-stakeholder strategic action plan, strengthened organizational readiness, and created a roadmap for future implementation efforts designed to improve access to substance use disorder services throughout rural Gallatin County. The long-term goal of the project is to build a coordinated and sustainable rural substance use disorder service system that improves health outcomes, expands access to care, strengthens community partnerships, and supports recovery for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
