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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual framework for Cooperative Extension to effectively respond to the opioid crises through their widely recognized role as conduits for practical, evidence-based solutions. As part of the outputs required for a Rural Health and Safety Grant funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, the researcher collaborated with a transdisciplinary team to develop creative and innovative prevention and treatment strategies that are sensitive to the unique needs of rural communities, a critical aspect in addressing the opioid epidemic. Despite the well-documented disparity and the daunting nature of composing realistic solutions to address the opioid crisis, there are existing resources that can be leveraged for public health. The study’s design shares a conceptual model modified from Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation theory to frame how Cooperative Extension can respond to their local opioid crises by being informed community advocates for change and presents the results of a mixed-methods community health needs assessment (CHNA) for four rural Georgia counties focusing on opioid misuse and behavioral health needs. The mixed-methods study was conducted in two parts: 1) a quantitative analysis of existing secondary data sources, including time trend analyses; and 2) a qualitative analysis of data collected through in-depth focus groups with community public health stakeholders in the four rural counties included in the study. Major findings from the study show that rural extension agents have established rapport with decision-makers and can be rapidly trained to help facilitate the development of suitable interventions to fight opioid misuse. Results from the CHNA suggest that despite recent reductions in the supply and prescribing habits of rural medical providers, significant increases in poly-substance use, particularly methamphetamines, are negating the potential benefits of the state’s newly adopted prescription drug monitoring program. The role Cooperative Extension continues to fill in bringing innovation and research-based solutions from institutions of higher education to communities across the state suggest how agents might better leverage partnerships and resources to be public health change agents in their communities.