Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Overdose Response - The purpose of this project is to address critical gaps in overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in HRSA-designated rural counties of Northeast Georgia, specifically Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Jackson, and Oglethorpe. MedLink Georgia will expand access to evidence-based treatment and comprehensive support services to reduce overdose deaths and improve long-term health outcomes in these high-need communities. By enhancing the rural healthcare infrastructure through a coordinated, multi-sector approach, this initiative aims to increase accessibility, improve care coordination, and address the social determinants that impact recovery. MedLink Georgia will expand treatment capacity by increasing access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and behavioral health services through the improvement of existing care delivery sites and the utilization of telehealth for remote service access. The project will enhance early intervention efforts by implementing universal screening for SUD/OUD and ensuring that individuals who screen positive are connected to appropriate treatment and social services. Recognizing the growing prevalence of polysubstance use, the initiative will establish and improve evidence-based stimulant treatment programs, providing support for individuals facing multiple substance use challenges. In response to the alarming increase in overdose fatalities, MedLink Georgia will strengthen overdose prevention efforts by distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and Xylazine test strips across the target rural service area. Community members, first responders, and healthcare providers will receive training on the proper use of these life-saving tools and harm reduction strategies. Additionally, efforts will focus on increasing provider competency by offering clinical training, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and professional mentorship opportunities to enhance the ability of healthcare professionals to treat individuals with SUD/OUD effectively. Recognizing that sustained recovery requires more than clinical treatment, the project will also enhance supportive services by improving coordination with transportation providers, childcare resources, and housing assistance programs, ensuring individuals in recovery have access to the resources needed for long-term success. To further reduce financial barriers to care, MedLink Georgia will assist uninsured individuals in obtaining health insurance, improving access to essential treatment services. Through the integration of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, this initiative will expand MedLink Georgia’s Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) program, embedding behavioral health and peer support services into treatment plans. The organization will work closely with community partners to strengthen social service networks and ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care. By focusing on prevention through harm reduction, increasing access to high-quality treatment, and building a sustainable recovery infrastructure, this initiative will lead to measurable improvements, including increased availability of MAT services, a reduction in overdose fatalities, higher treatment engagement and retention rates, and enhanced provider knowledge and capacity to treat individuals with SUD/OUD. MedLink Georgia is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these efforts by integrating grant-funded activities into its broader health center operations. By leveraging strategic partnerships, financial diversification, workforce development, and data-driven decision-making, the organization will continue to expand access to life-saving services for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders in rural Northeast Georgia, creating lasting improvements in the region’s healthcare infrastructure and overall public health outcomes.
