| Description |
Opioid misuse is a national problem that caused over 47,000 overdose related deaths in 2018 alone (CDC, 2019). There are many factors that are known to contribute to these staggering statistics, but there is one thing that appears to be consistent across the United States⎯rural populations often experience higher rates of opioid use disorder (OUD). In Utah, one rural county, Carbon County, has been impacted particularly hard by the opioid epidemic. Carbon County has consistently reported the highest rates of opioid related deaths in the state (Utah Department of Health, 2019). Rural areas, like Carbon County, are fighting many barriers in the provision of healthcare and wellness related teaching about opioid addiction. To begin understanding why these boundaries exist⎯and identify what opportunities there are to create positive change⎯we need to work with rural communities and the people who are providing care for at risk populations to identify barriers, challenges, and opportunities that are feasible and relevant. To better understand this issue, I conducted semi-structured interviews with nine community stakeholders from Carbon County to collect their ideas on the impact of OUD and how it could be addressed. Interviews were transcribed and coded based on question topic and participant response. The topics discussed in interviews included areas that Carbon County is already addressing well, areas where more work is needed, and perceived community impacts. The findings indicated that Carbon County stakeholders are proud of the work that has already been done towards decreasing opioid dependency, but they understand and have suggestions about what else needs to be done. Improving access to resources and creating a culture that supports rehabilitation are some of the major recommendations that could have a positive impact in this community. Based on interview results and the supporting literature, suggestions for how the community can move forward in addressing opioid misuse in Carbon County were proposed. |
