A recent study by the CDC found that West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio are among states with the highest rate of opioid drug related deaths. Unfortunately, opioid abuse is affecting families and communities in every Appalachian state.
As part of ARC’s ongoing commitment to the region’s public health, we are pleased to continue our sponsorship of the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit being held in Atlanta, Georgia on March 28-31, 2016. This Summit is the largest national collaboration of professionals from local, state and federal agencies, business, academia, clinicians, treatment providers, counselors, educators, state and national leaders, and advocates impacted by Rx drug abuse and heroin use.
In addition, ARC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced the availability of one-year research grants to address the dramatic increase in adverse outcomes of opioid drug use in Appalachia. This collaboration will help build a foundation for future intervention programs and larger-scale research efforts to address the growing public health consequences of opioid use in Appalachia. The RFA notice is available here. Grant applications are due April 28, 2016.
We encourage you to spread the word about these two opportunities as we continue to help Appalachia’s families and communities combat this devastating epidemic.
