URBANA, Ill. – Residents in rural Illinois have support to address substance use disorder. The unique landscape and geographic isolation of rural Southern Illinois present opportunities for innovative approaches to outreach, prevention, and treatment.

University of Illinois Extension will host a free online webinar about the substance use crisis at noon Sept. 30. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, email Nancy Ouedraogo, esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Register prior to the workshop.

Speakers from the Substance Use Disorder Regional Leadership Center and the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development will describe the substance use disorder-related services provided to people in the most rural and medically underserved areas in Illinois. Discussion will include rural opioid prescriber training programs, the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program Delta Counties Project, and the Substance Use Disorder Regional Leadership Center programs.

The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development is dedicated to improving health and health care for the people living in the 66 counties of central and southern Illinois.

SOURCE: Nancy Ouedraogo, Community and Economic Development Specialist, University of Illinois Extension

WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Interim Director of Communications, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.