Michigan Ag Connection - Allen: USDA Opioid Epidemic Map Offers Resources

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Allen: USDA Opioid Epidemic Map Offers Resources
Michigan Ag Connection - 06/19/2018

Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett unveiled a new interactive feature on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) rural opioid misuse webpage. Now webpage visitors can use an interactive map to learn about, access or replicate actions rural leaders are taking in small towns across the country to address the opioid epidemic through prevention, treatment and recovery opportunities. The interactive map can be viewed at https://www.usda.gov/topics/opioids/resources-map.

"Leaving no community untouched, the opioid epidemic has taken a monumental toll on many of the small towns and rural places that are the heartbeat of our country," Hazlett said. "USDA is a strong partner to rural leaders in addressing this issue through programs for prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as programs that build rural resilience and prosperity for the future."

USDA collected model practices displayed on the interactive map from regional opioid misuse roundtables and through the "What's working in your town?" form on the USDA opioid misuse webpage. USDA invites you to share effective actions taken in response to the opioid epidemic in rural communities by filling out the "What's working in your town?" form.

"These enhancements allow for even greater sharing of ideas and successful approaches in the struggle against opioid abuse," said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. "There is no single solution, which is why our ongoing collaboration with state and local stakeholders is so essential."

The USDA has been keenly focused on addressing the opioid crisis in rural communities. So far, the Department has convened regional roundtables to hear firsthand accounts of the impact of the crisis and effective strategies for response in rural communities; launched an interactive webpage on opioid misuse in rural America featuring resources for rural communities and individuals facing the crisis; and prioritized investments in three key grant programs to address the crisis in rural places. For more information about these efforts, visit the USDA rural opioid misuse webpage at www.usda.gov/topics/opioids.

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