The University of Missouri Extension Building Capacity for Recovery-Friendly Communities project will engage rural communities disproportionately impacted by SUD/OUD, by providing evidence-based technical assistance, training and education options to strengthen recovery capital and build sustainable Recovery-Friendly Communities. The University of Missouri Extension Community Health Engagement and Outreach Program will partner with Rural Communities Opioid Response Program grantees and stakeholders using a multi-prong approach to address identified gaps along the addiction continuum and interrelated social determinants that compound the SUD/OUD challenges. This project proposes to serve more than 34,960 constituents within various populations across Missouri.
This two year project will build capacity among Extension professionals and create linkages to RCORP/STR/SOR grantees for collaboration, create bi-directional dissemination of available resources, and expand evidence-based training on opioid/stimulant prevention, treatment, and recovery to the public.
The Building Capacity for Recovery-Friendly Communities project has four goals that will address specific technical assistance/training needs and gaps for rural communities across Missouri. These goals are designed to achieve the targeted outcomes described below:
Goal 1: Provide evidence-based technical assistance to Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Grantees located in 8 regions across Missouri.
Objective 1.1: By August 2022, provide eight (8) technical assistance trainings to RCORP/STR/SOR communities.
Obj. 1.2: By August 31, 2022 increase knowledge within RCORP grantees of Extension programs, services and resources.
Goal 2: To provide training and technical assistance to regional Extension faculty to build capacity for effective and efficient collaboration and implementation of evidence-based public health interventions targeting opioid/stimulant abuse.
Obj. 2.1: By August 31, 2022, increase capacity of Extension faculty to collaborate with grantees on evidence-based prevention.
Objective 2.2: By December 31, 2021 identify at least five (5) PROSPER-ready communities in Missouri.
Goal 3: Develop a framework and guidelines for training and technical assistance to businesses and labor organizations to be recognized as Recovery-Friendly Workplaces (RFW).
Obj. 3.1: By December 31, 2020 conduct economic analysis and literature review to disseminate across Extension (8) regions.
Obj 3.2: By August 31, 2022 provide eight (8) technical assistance trainings to employers, businesses & communities.
Obj 3.3: By August 31, 2022 develop curriculum & guidelines for Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
Goal 4: To provide training/technical assistance on opioid/stimulant use to a network of mobility managers and volunteers, educating Extension and RCORP/STR/SOR grantee communities on linkages to rural mobility management resources for individuals, families, and communities with members in recovery.
Obj. 4.1: By August 31, 2022 develop opioid/stimulant specific educational content and resources for mobility management network.
Obj. 4.2: By August 31, 2022 disseminate educational resources within Extension, RCORP grantees, mobility management network, and Recovery-Friendly workplaces