The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is a multi-year initiative by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that supports grantees working to address behavioral healthcare issues in their communities. RCORP funding allows grantees to sustain programs and activities that improve access to quality behavioral healthcare services, including substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) services, in rural areas. This podcast focuses on the topics and issues most relevant for RCORP grantees nationwide. This podcast is supported by JBS International, Inc, through a grant award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. Hosts: Isha Taylor-Kamara and Tim Rabolt; Producer: Samantha Garonzik; Editor: Alex Serban
The Native People’s Podcast is a recurring series here on the RCORPodcast. Routinely hosted by Jason Harris at JBS International, the series features various guests to discuss key issues and topics related to Indigenous communities. This episode features Dream of Wild Health and focuses on Native youth health and wellness, including the impacts of climate change and solution-driven work being implemented by Dream of Wild Health.Timeline:Introductions 1:40What is Dream of Wild Health 3:40Activities For The Youth 7:00Goals With This Program 11:20Survivance 16:50Where Does The Food Go 19:50How Did COVID Affect The Program and Youth 23:00Vision For The Next Generation 28:20
11/26/24 • 38:58
In this episode, JBS Technical Expert Lead, Sue Gadacz, returns to guest-host a repeat conversation with RCORP grantee West Central Alabama Alabama Area Health Education Center (AHEC). They discuss RCORP successes, highlighting the importance of building partnerships with community leaders, community organizations, and community health workers (CHWs) for sustainability. They touch on medication drop boxes and CHWs in clinical settings.Timeline:Introduction to West Central Alabama Staff 1:55How Substance Use Disorder Programming Has Been Expanded in their Community 2:30How Has The Community Responded to West Central Alabama AHEC 7:00Has The Program's Message Become Apparent to Your Community 8:30Highlights of the Program 11:40Community Education Elements That Were Developed Out of Southwest Alabama Opioid Response Project (SAOR) 15:50Why Is Community Messaging Important to Your Organization 18:00Impact of HOPE Dealers 20:50What's Next 25:00Advice You Wish You Knew From the Start of Your Grant 28:15
11/5/24 • 33:15
Craig PoVey, JBS Technical Expert Lead, is joined by two leading experts in the field of prevention as they discuss what is meant by primary prevention as well as provide an introductory overview of the science of primary prevention including lessons learned from early SUD prevention efforts. In this podcast episode, they will discuss risk and protective factors and other critical components of primary prevention and provide evidence-based resources that can guide practitioners, organizations, and community members in providing primary prevention services and programs that can improve the lives of real people. The experts will also explain how prevention coalitions and consortia in the community are instrumental in the success and sustaining of prevention services.Timeline:Introduction of Guests 4:20Introducing the LMS Module 10:50Do We Need A Training System Like the LMS 12:40Resources That Could Be Helpful 21:40How Do We Learn About These Sophisticated Systems 25:15Two Things You Would Like the Listeners to Remember 32:15
10/15/24 • 35:07
Linda Edelman RN, PhD, FGSA, FAAN is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Utah. Her research focus is on improving access to care for older adults, particularly those living in rural areas or utilizing long-term services and supports. She leads workforce development research through her work with the Utah Rural Opioid HealthCare Consortium-Collaborative Care Model Program. She joins the show to talk in-depth about the unique aspects of farmer and ranch stress in rural communities. Timeline:Background on Linda and Her Role 2:00Topic Overview 3:20What Makes This Type of Work Unique in Terms of Stressors Experienced? 5:10Signs of it 11:00Incidence of SUD 13:30Likelihood to Seek Help and Stigma 15:00What Can Be Done? 17:30What’s it like in Utah? 23:30How is the Consortium Involved and What Other Resources Are There? 25:40
10/8/24 • 28:40
Have you thought about starting a podcast of your own? Rural Roads Host, Tim Rabolt, gives a brief overview of some of the steps to consider for any grantee. From the "Why?" to the investment and the show's format- we'll cover what we tried, what's worked for us, and other options for RCORP grantees. Tune in to this short mini-episode as a first step along your own podcast journey.
10/1/24 • 10:14
For this episode in the Recovery Month Story Series, we sit down with Lester B. Howard, a native of Charlotte, NC. Lester works as both a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Forensic Peer Support Specialist for Agape Health Services in Washington, NC. In 1995, after an extensive bout with drugs and incarceration, Lester found recovery. Lester describes himself as dedicated to keeping the sanctity of poetry and the fine arts alive, while helping people realize the purpose in their own lives.Timeline:What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist 2:00How Did You Find This Career Path? 4:15What Did Recovery Look Like For You? 7:00Being Young and Navigating Recovery 16:30Recovery Looks Different To Everyone 21:50Vulnerability Is Not A Weakness 24:00What Pathways Have Been Beneficial? 25:30What You Want People To Know 33:00
9/24/24 • 35:53
Byron Thompson lives in Milwaukee and oversees the growth and expansion efforts of The Phoenix in the region. For those unfamiliar with The Phoenix, their mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection. Byron is also a person in long-term recovery for over 20 years. He joins the show to talk about his work, his recovery, and journey in between.Timeline:Background and Role at the Phoenix 1:30Benefits of the Phoenix 4:20Virtual Meetups for Rural Communities 9:00The Phoenix's Milwaukee Soberfest 11:30How Has Your Recovery Evolved? 13:20What Do You Wish People Knew About Recovery? 16:00Want To Learn More? 17:30
9/17/24 • 18:54
Jenna Sheldon is a subject matter writer and editor for JBS International. She has extensive experience working in the addiction recovery field at a local, state, and national level. She is a passionate advocate for recovery, harm reduction, and all aspects of the continuum of care. She joins the show to talk about her own recovery journey and how she’s applied what she’s learned into her career and day-to-day life. Timeline:Background 2:00How Did Jenna Find Recovery? 8:30Challenges Faced 14:10What Has Been Helpful? 15:50Experience with the National Side of Things 21:00What Would You Want the Public at Large to Know? 26:40Lightning Round Questions 30:10What's Next? 33:00
9/10/24 • 34:56
Caroline Beidler is a Technical Expert Lead (TEL) at JBS International. She's also a mother, partner, author, and person in recovery. She's worked in the field in a variety of roles on local, state, and national levels. A self-described advocate at heart, Caroline cares about recovery on a policy level and for someone who just might be struggling. She joins the show to talk about her work, her insight, and to share pieces of her recovery journey. Timeline:Caroline's Background 2:00What Worked For Caroline? 6:40Recovery Doesn't Make My Life Smaller 7:40What Identities are Important For You? 9:30Recovery with Infant Twins 10:50Working with JBS 14:00Helpful Tips 19:30Pillars and Anchors for Sustaining Recovery 21:50What Do You Struggle With? 23:00Quick Questions 25:00Up Next 25:40
9/6/24 • 26:32
Donald McDonald and Robert Childs return to the show for the 4th iteration in this informative yet casual conversation surrounding RCORP TA, upcoming initiatives, and to talk about "what's happening". This episode features a discussion about International Overdose Awareness Day, Recovery Month, Peer Hour, and more. Timeline:Peer Hour with Donald 2:40What is your Identity 6:30Recovery Month 14:00International Overdose Awareness Day 29:00
8/30/24 • 35:35
In this episode of Rural Roads, we are joined by team members from RCORP grantee Intermountain Health based in Utah. The team discusses their project and one particular initiative, which won the inaugural 2024 RCORP Innovation Tank at this past Reverse Site Visit in Washington, DC. They share insights on their work in Sanpete County, addressing issues such as opioid deaths and overdoses. The team talks about implementing programs in the jail, reducing recidivism rates, and hosting community events to combat stigma and provide support. Tune in to learn more!Timeline:Introductions 2:00Sanpete County Overview 4:00What issue were you seeing in the community? 5:00What did you implement? 11:50How was it received? 16:50Discussion of Impact and Data 19:30How can others replicate, what’s the secret recipe? 29:00Anything up next in terms of additions, expansion, new initiatives, etc? 32:00
8/27/24 • 36:21
In this episode, we are joined by Valerie Hardcastle, the Vice President of Health Innovations at Northern Kentucky University. Valerie shares insights into the Institute for Health Innovation's work in the northern Kentucky region, focusing on behavioral health and substance use disorder. The conversation delves into the Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) program implemented in schools, targeting at-risk youth to prevent substance misuse and provide support.Discover how the MRT program, originally designed for jails and prisons, has been adapted for schools, leading to significant positive outcomes for students and their families.Timeline:Introduction and Grantee Overview 1:15What is MRT? 5:00What was the need in the community that prompted the implementation of this program in the schools? 10:00How were you able to get all the partners on board for implementation? 11:30 What impact are you seeing in the community as a result of implementing this program? 13:40 How are you sustaining the program? 15:00What’s up next? 16:00Recommendations for people who want to do this 17:00
8/20/24 • 18:49
In this episode, Dr. Heboyan and Dr. Vernon discuss their innovative model focusing on a family-centered approach to address transportation and economic challenges in a person's recovery journey from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). They delve into the importance of community resources, entrepreneurial empowerment, and the role of family support in the recovery process.Timeline:Organizational Overview/ Background 2:40How Did You Get Involved with RCORP-TA 5:30What Are You Currently Working On? 6:50A Family-Centered Approach to Address Transportation and Economic Challenges in Person’s OUD/SUD Recovery Journey- Tell us the Bird’s Eye View of this Approach? 8:50Transportation Components 13:40Sustainability Plan 16:00How Can RCORP Grantees Start 20:50
8/13/24 • 26:09
In this episode, we hear from Sophie Spiess and Emily Loertscher from Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin. They discuss a new program involving NaloxBoxes in rural settings. Sophie and Emily share insights into the Naloxone-based project, discussing the implementation of NaloxBoxes in various counties and schools. They talk about community responses, challenges faced, and the importance of sustainability in such initiatives. Tune in to learn about the innovative strategies used to track the use of NaloxBoxes, community partnerships, and the impact of the program on the local communities.Timeline: Emily and Sophie Introduction 1:40Marshfield Overview 3:00What is a Nalox Box? 4:10How did it come about? 5:10Current State of NaloxBoxes 6:45Hesitation with the Boxes 8:15Maintenance and Restocking 10:40Positive Stories 12:25Tracking the Data 14:00Sustainability Plan 15:50Advice and Guidance 19:30
8/6/24 • 21:29
AIR Cattaraugus Recovery Center: Adventures in Recovery of Cattaraugus County is a community of sober individuals dedicated to providing a safe, fun and welcoming space for those in recovery to connect with peer supports through adventure, wellness and exciting sober events. Built by peers for peers, their families and those within the community that choose to live healthy sober lives. Project Director Katie Connors joins the podcast to discuss how it started, what they do, and what's up next. Timeline:Katie's Background/ Role 1:40Cattaraugus County 2:50AIR Overview 3:20Who participates 4:00CASA 4:50Who is it for? 6:10How Did it Start? 7:30Drug Court Group 8:50Summer Events 11:15Different Groups that have been Created 13:00How Do People Find Out? 14:20GED Classes For the Community 17:00Recovery Cafes and their Importance 19:20Impact 23:10Where to Learn More 25:30
7/30/24 • 26:49
Matt Swift is a Senior Community Impact Specialist with United Way of the Wabash Valley. He returns to the podcast with guest host Robert Childs to expand on their work in western Indiana, including: their recovery café model, recovery housing program, and overcoming adversity with storms that have passed through their community. Timeline:Introduction to Matt 2:50Community Conversations Bringing People Together 5:30Looking into Recovery Cafes 8:30The Storm and Delays in the Cafe 10:00Housing Needs 16:00Contingency Management Plan 22:50
7/23/24 • 28:50
Dr. Austin Brown is a recovery scientist currently living in Denmark. With a recovery journey that featured stops at Texas Tech, University of Vermont, Kennesaw State University, and Syracuse University, he's been engaged with recovery-informed research for the past decade. This episode will give an overview of what recovery research is, key data points, and what's important for those working with lived experience to know. Timeline:How Tim and Austin Met: 1:30Continuing Education 1:25Collegiate Recovery and Austin's Background 4:00Consortium Partnerships 9:40What is Recovery Science 11:00Lack of Research 16:30Flourishing in Recovery 25:00Recovery is Not Linear 29:00What You Should Know 34:00Life in Denmark 40:15
7/16/24 • 46:29
Western Maine Recovery Outings stands at the forefront of innovation, uniting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) and their supporters through immersive, nature-based experiences that foster community connectivity. Building on the triumph of their pilot year in 2022 and the partially funded success of 2023, WMARI proudly enters its third year with the most robust iteration of the Recovery Outings program. Join this episode to learn more from their Project Director, Kari Taylor, and Program Coordinators, Aaron Ryder and Brendan Schauffler. Timeline:Get to Know the Team 1:40Overview of Initiative 5:00Removing Barriers 8:15Benefits for Recovery 10:15Becoming a Recovery Lead 11:40Eligibility and Cost for Participants 18:25Connection Matters Even If You Are an Introvert 20:30Favorite Activities 24:00Recovery Rally 28:15Recovery Outings Episode 30:00Next Steps 32:20
7/9/24 • 35:25
Multiple RCORP-awardee and Innovation Tank Finalist, Ballad Health, brings their PEERhelp team to the podcast to sit down with guest hosts Robert Childs and Melody Joiner, Technical Expert Leads from JBS International. They will discuss topics like the workforce, jail-based and reentry programs, and key success stories. Timeline:Workforce Heavily Involved with Folks that are Directly Impacted 4:00How did you hire? 6:00Benefits of Being a Directly Impacted Person 11:00Jail programs and Reentry 14:00Naloxone Conference 21:00Success Stories of the Work and How Hands On They Are 32:00
7/2/24 • 38:48
Baptist Health in Richmond, KY is a HRSA RCORP Implementation III Grantee. They have discharge coordination by peers from both the local jail and inpatient hospital. Last July they opened the Thrive Center, an inpatient psychiatric hospital for individuals with MH/SUD. They have strengthened the continuum of care in their community that now allows for a successful step down into all subsequent levels of care. JBS Technical Expert Lead Sue Gadacz joins as a guest host to help us get to know this grantee even more!Timeline:Implementation III Grant and Growth 2:00Relationships With Their Community 7:30How Relationships Have Flourished with Formal Systems 10:00Integrated Treatment Approach 21:00Strategies to Keep People Engaged 23:00
6/25/24 • 38:26
Adena Health System is a HRSA RCORP MAT-Access Grantee located in Chillicothe, OH. Project Director Kim Jones, Director of Community Health for Adena Health System, joins this episode alongside Kerri Shaw, Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and Coordinator of the CHW Training Program at Ohio University. Kerri is also the Co-Chair of the Center for Community Health Worker Excellence in Ohio. They'll discuss an overview of CHWs and how they work in their local emergency department to help navigate those with substance use disorder to treatment and recovery resources, including social supports that may be barriers to treatment.Timeline:What are community health workers? 2:00Professional Roles and Background 6:00What's the process look like? 11:00The impact 23:00What's next? 26:00
6/18/24 • 28:49
Dr. Ivory Tubbs is a Technical Expert Lead for RCORP-TA, working for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). He joins the podcast to answer some common questions around Nitazene including what they are, how to respond, and other key information surrounding the topic. Timeline:Ivory Background/ Role 1:20What are Nitazenes? 3:00Why are we talking about Nitazenes? 4:20How can I find out if Nitazenes are in my community? 6:00How can I prevent and respond to overdose due to Nitazenes? 8:00Resources/ Where to learn more 10:30
6/13/24 • 13:50
Rachel Stankowski and Danielle Luther both work for the Family Health Center of Marshfield in Marshfield, WI. Their organization has had multiple RCORP awards over the years, and you may remember them from this year's RCORP Innovation Tank talking about their recovery doula training as a part of their NAS grant. Today, we'll talk to them about their RentReady program: a new initiative to provide safe and sober housing for individuals in their community. Timeline:Introduction of Danielle & Rachel 1:20Overview of Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc. 3:40Brief history of HOPE Consortium network 5:10How did the RentReady program come about? 9:00What types of partnerships does it take to operate the program? 12:25How can a person become eligible to participate? 15:10What does the program provide? 17:30What happens after a person applies? 20:00What are some of the outcomes? 22:00What are you working on now? 26:40How can a person learn more? 28:00
6/11/24 • 28:52
Jason Harris returns to the podcast as a guest host to sit down once again with Shirley and Mark to discuss cultural traditions, where cultural practices intersect with health and wellness, and the importance of overall cultural connection. Join us for the impactful 3rd part of this ongoing episode series.
6/4/24 • 43:48
Dave Suckling, Chief of the Alexandria Police Department, and Kim Haney, RCORP Project Director for HealthFirst join this week's episode to expand on their 2024 RSV Breakout Session: Street Drug Trends, Treatment, and Community Engagement With Law Enforcement. We'll discuss their innovative and engaging training that they deliver throughout the state, strategies for collaboration and community engagement, and hear about some recent wins in their communities. Timeline:Get to Know Dave Suckling and Kim Haney 1:50How Dave and Kim Connected 5:00Recovery Friendly Towns 7:20Obstacles Within the State 12:40How did RCORP come into play? 14:30Training Background 15:50Impact of Training 20:50Dave's Pivot Point in His Career 23:00Recovery Discussions Continued 25:00New Partnerships 33:00Next Steps/ Future Plans 36:00
5/28/24 • 39:25
The Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (HCADA) serves a variety of Texas counties through their comprehensive service offerings. In this episode we are joined by Abigail Moore (CEO), Phil Taylor (Prevention Program Coordinator), and Abby Filyaw (Recovery Coach) to gain insight on their SUD/OUD work in their service area. We'll learn about the impact RCORP has had, what's been effective in combatting stigma, and how the organization works to meet individuals where they are and support them holistically.
5/21/24 • 38:43
Rural transportation poses a lot of challenges and obstacles, but also some unique opportunities. Theresa Lemus joins the podcast as a guest-host to talk "Transportation Is Medicine" with Valerie Lefler, Executive Director and Founder of Feonix Mobility Rising and Amy Pina, Clinical Director, Coastal Plains Integrated HealthTimeline:What does Transportation Is Medicine look like? 2:10Set the stage, what are the transportation challenges in the Coastal Bend of Texas? 4:00Who are the community partners involved in your project? 7:00What are the transportation needs of patients to treat and prevent Opioid Use Disorder for people in rural areas? 9:00How is Feonix’s approach to transportation different from traditional Medicaid transportation? 15:00How does supporting access to social determinants of health impact patient outcomes? 16:35What types of trips are most needed by patients outside of getting to and from doctor appointments? 19:00What is a common misunderstanding in the industry about rural transportation? 26:00What is your vision for the future of mobility in rural areas and complex healthcare needs? 30:40
5/14/24 • 35:06
The recovery high school series wraps up with Michael Durchslag, Director of PEASE Academy and Board Chair for the Association of Recovery Schools (ARS). In his role at PEASE Academy, Michael oversees all operations of our nation’s longest-standing recovery high school. He’ll talk about what a day looks like, who they serve, and some of the broader implications of their work.
5/7/24 • 23:46
For this series we are joined by Dr. Andy Finch, Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Finch’s research interests include the role of schools as continuing care for substance use disorders, counseling and human development, and the ecology of schools. He joins the show to give us an inside look at recovery high schools. Part 2 covers the national landscape, research and efficacy, and what the trends tell us about what could be ahead.
4/30/24 • 31:46
For this series we are joined by Dr. Andy Finch, Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Finch’s research interests include the role of schools as continuing care for substance use disorders, counseling and human development, and the ecology of schools. He joins the show to give us an inside look at recovery high schools. Part 1 covers an overview, history, and some common questions and answers.
4/23/24 • 35:03
