Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Overdose Response - Kolbe Health Services (KHS) seeks funding through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Overdose Response (RCORP-OR) to expand and enhance substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment services in Walker and Fayette Counties, Alabama. These rural communities face high rates of opioid-related overdoses, limited access to behavioral health services, and significant barriers to care, including transportation challenges, stigma surrounding treatment, and gaps in insurance coverage. KHS will implement a comprehensive, community-centered approach to improve treatment access, enhance care coordination, and promote long-term recovery. The proposed project will focus on four key areas: 1. Expanding SUD/OUD Treatment Services – Increasing service availability from three to five days per week and implementing an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to provide higher levels of care for individuals needing structured, ongoing support. 2. Enhancing Screening and Referral Systems – Embedding universal SUD screenings within KHS’s mental health services and partnering with Jasper Baptist’s primary care and emergency department to expand early detection and rapid referrals to treatment. 3. Improving Stimulant Use Disorder Treatment – Training providers in evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options like naltrexone and Wellbutrin, while establishing referral pathways with inpatient and residential treatment facilities. 4. Providing Health Insurance Enrollment Support – Assisting uninsured individuals in applying for Medicaid and ACA marketplace coverage, ensuring they have access to ongoing treatment and support services. To further increase accessibility and service integration, KHS will purchase and deploy a mobile treatment unit to provide screening, MAT, and recovery support services in remote areas. The project will also emphasize peer support and community engagement to reduce stigma and build trust among individuals hesitant to seek treatment. The project will be led by a multidisciplinary team, including clinical providers, peer recovery specialists, case managers, and outreach coordinators, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach. A Learning Collaborative Point of Contact will participate in HRSA-led knowledge-sharing activities, ensuring KHS implements best practices in SUD/OUD treatment and overdose prevention. By improving treatment availability, strengthening care coordination, and addressing social determinants of health, this project will reduce overdose deaths, improve patient retention in treatment, and promote sustained recovery outcomes in Walker and Fayette Counties. Through strategic partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based interventions, KHS aims to create a lasting impact on rural health by expanding access to lifesaving services. This project directly aligns with RCORP-Overdose Response goals and represents a critical step toward combating the opioid crisis in rural Alabama.
