In celebration of National Rural Health Day, the Opioid Response Network (ORN) is pleased to invite you to join us for a virtual roundtable discussion: Strengthening Rural Communities: Innovations and Partnerships to Address Substance Use Disorders and the Opioid Crisis
This engaging, moderated conversation will highlight innovative, rural-specific approaches and community-driven strategies that are helping rural communities prevent and respond to opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD). The discussion will focus on practical solutions that recognize the unique realities of rural and frontier communities, including workforce shortages, geographic distance, transportation barriers, stigma, limited treatment infrastructure, and other challenges that can affect access to care and support.
Our panelists will also explore how cross-sector partnerships —including healthcare and behavioral health providers, community organizations, people with lived experience, peer support, first responders, and other local partners—can strengthen the rural continuum of prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term community resilience.
Panelists
- Ellen Piekalkiewicz, Florida State University/ROTA
- Philip Rutherford, Black Faces Black Voices
- Kristina Bryant, Rulo Strategies
Who Should Attend?
This roundtable is designed for rural health and behavioral health professionals, community leaders, public health professionals, people with lived experience, peer support organizations, first responders, educators, faith-based organizations, policymakers, researchers, and other rural community partners.
Continuing Education Credit Available
- 1 CME Credit
- 1 PA-CME Credit
- 1 Other Professionals Credit
- 1 Nursing Credit
Register Today!! – Register for the Roundtable
We look forward to bringing together colleagues and partners from across rural communities for a meaningful and practical conversation about what is working, what communities are learning, and what can be adapted locally to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and resilience.
Most importantly, this will be an opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore how rural communities can build stronger, more connected systems of support using the resources and partnerships already available to them.
Together, we CAN make a difference!