Learn

Learn pages describe best practices and programs to prevent and reduce the impact of substance use and substance use disorder that have been adapted for rural communities. These pages feature resources—evidence, videos, webinars, trainings, articles, and various tools—to help rural communities select and implement practices that support their efforts and goals.

Overview of Resources and Programs

Increasing Awareness to Save Lives

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, launched in July 2022, provides a fast way for people experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use disorder (SUD) crisis to urgently get help. Our resource page provides details about the Lifeline for rural communities specifically. The toolkit contains an array of posters to help communities spread the word.

Preventing Overdose from Combined Substances

The aim of this resource page is to provide rural communities—including health and human services providers, individuals with substance use disorder, their families and friends, and local leaders—with convenient, evidence-based tools to use and share to address risks related to polysubstance use.

Training to Address Opioid-Related Suicide Risk in Rural Communities

This SafeSide Prevention training program provides comprehensive, video-based education and training to help health care workers, human services professionals, and their partners in rural communities address suicide risk.

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

This webinar focuses on naloxone distribution in rural communities. It describes how to establish a program, suggests "touchless" approaches to delivery and remote training, and reviews regulatory considerations. A toolkit provides additional resources.