The prevalence of substance abuse disorders in the U.S. has increased dramatically in the past 15 years with catastrophic consequences, especially in rural regions. Deaths and injuries from illegal opioid and heroin use are more prevalent in rural states, and death from opioid overdose is 45 percent higher in rural regions than urban areas.

National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) has developed a primer for Medicaid officials and healthcare providers working to reduce opioid addiction in their state’s rural areas. It details the role HRSA-supported safety net providers play in improving emergency medical intervention and treatment to Medicaid enrollees, many of whom live in rural regions, and low-income and vulnerable populations facing opioid use disorders. Read the primer and check out the corresponding infographic.