Learn

Our resources about evidence-based and emerging best practices in rural communities include webinars, toolkits, links to helpful sites, and more.

‘We’re Not Alone’: Preserving Group Therapy through Videoconferencing during COVID-19

When the coronavirus surged in March 2020, Strong Recovery in Western New York made the tough, but necessary call to suspend their in-person groups for individuals with substance use disorder. They rapidly converted to video-based group therapy in April to continue providing this important service—the “heart and soul of our program.” Online groups have created new opportunities to connect with patients and will carry on after the pandemic.

A welcoming circle of colorful chairs in an office

‘We’re Not Alone’: Preserving Group Therapy through Videoconferencing during COVID-19

Bridging the Gap: Telemedicine as a Path to Primary Care Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Use Disorder

In rural communities where pharmacotherapy may not be available in primary care practices, telemedicine-based treatment with providers outside the immediate area can serve as a 2-3 year bridge, supporting patients in their recovery while allowing PCPs to become trained in pharmacotherapy and integrate care management into their practices. A bridge program also supports SUD treatment programs in maintaining access to treatment for new patients.

Crossing Miles to Save Lives: Touchless Naloxone Delivery in Rural Communities

In this webinar, Gloria Baciewicz and Patrick Seche of Strong Recovery and UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence discuss targeted naloxone (often known by the brand-name Narcan) distribution. They describe how to establish a program, and suggest “touchless” approaches to delivery and remote training that are helping expand access to naloxone in rural areas.

Making Space for Social Distance: Adapting Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to COVID-19

In this webinar, Patrick Seche and Itza Morales-Torres of Strong Recovery will discuss the steps they are taking to adapt substance use disorder (SUD) programs as quickly as possible in response to the COVID-19 crisis. They will give an overview of new federal and state regulations and discuss changes they are implementing such as social distancing and telehealth.

2020 Overview — Creating Solutions: Recovery in the Opioid Crisis

Our first webinar, “Creating Solutions: Recovery in the Opioid Crisis,” focuses on evidence-based practices (EBPs) that can help communities combat substance use disorder, particularly synthetic opioid use.