PROJECT NEWS

Newly Awarded Grant Funding From SAMHSA:

MSU Extension Expansion Project to Provide Education, Outreach and Training on Opioid and Stimulant Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for Rural and Native Montana Youth

  • Through statewide collaborations with MSU Extension, partner schools, and existing opioid response networks, this project will provide outreach, education and technical assistance in an effort to reduce opioid and stimulant misuse among rural and tribal youth throughout Montana.  Through our efforts, we aim to provide youth and their caregivers (whether at school or at home) with the tools to converse honestly and openly about this issue, and information about treatment and recovery options to support youth who may need such services.  

  • We would like to welcome to the project Extension partners, Hillary Maxwell from the Fort Belknap Reservation, Alice Burchak from Toole County, Jesse Fulbright from Liberty County, Katelyn Anderson from Ravalli County, Mary Rumph and Julie Riley from Powder River County and Jennifer Anderson from Rosebud/Treasure Counties. 

Existing Grant Extensions:

The 2018 Rural Health and Safety Education grant, funded by the USDA, has been extended until 2/28/2021.  

  • Our team will create a resource grab-and-go toolkit comprised of materials/resources and recommended protocols for Extension Agents to utilize and replicate at the local level for all population groups.  We will also continue printing and disseminating project generated opioid use disorder awareness and educational materials and resources. 

The 2018 ROTA grant, funded by SAMHSA, has been extended until 7/29/21. 

  • This extension will allow our team to conduct a Statewide ROTA training (in-person, or online) for in-home caregivers, complete the opioid use disorder video series with Montana PBS, complete the online substance abuse treatment program partnered through the MSU Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery, continue the promotion of MAT waiver and naloxone trainings and conduct a comprehensive program evaluation.  

Mentionable Project Achievements

On June 29-30th, our project team hosted a two-day Tribal Technical Assistance Webinar Training. 

  • We hosted speakers from Kauffman and Associates, Fort Peck Confederate Tribes, Montana Primary Care Association, Montana State University, and Piikani Lodge Health Institute.  Topics included:  field recommendations, establishing sustainable reimbursement services, MAT stigma and diversion, grant writing and funding sources, and indigenous mindfulness and self-care. 
  • A summary of these trainings was created and can be viewed by visiting our  website at http://health.msuextension.org/opioid_tta-trainings_summary.html

Our project now has four opioid misuse educational and awareness videos for viewing. 

State and National News

Significant Changes in Drug Use During the Pandemic

  • Data from an analysis of urine drug tests (UDT) conducted between Jan-May 2020 showed illicit drug use is on the rise in those seeking healthcare in certain regions of the country. Combined with the impact COVID-19 has on patients with mental health and substance use disorders, additional resources may be needed to address resulting public health consequences, including the risk of drug overdose.  Read analysis report here
  • Thanks to all Agent collaborators.  Their continued outreach of project generated opioid awareness and educational materials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has helped bring awareness and education to Montana rural and tribal communities.   
  • Montana has updated its Naloxone standing order.  To review visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/opioid/providers_

Trainings and Webinars

Medication Assisted Treatment