A new initiative from the University of New England (UNE) aims to tackle the ongoing opioid crisis in rural Maine by training healthcare professionals in effective opioid response strategies. The program, named the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, is set to receive a $1.6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, awarded in September 2023. It will provide comprehensive training to both students and existing healthcare workers across the state, addressing the urgent need for skilled personnel in areas severely impacted by opioid use disorder.
As Maine continues to grapple with the repercussions of the opioid epidemic, access to treatment remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural regions. Many of these areas are described as “grossly underserved,” according to Devon Sherwood, project director and professor at UNE’s pharmacy school. The new program aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to identify, discuss, and treat opioid use disorders effectively.
Comprehensive Training for Diverse Health Professionals
The program is expected to launch no later than August 2026, with hopes for an earlier start. It will incorporate training into the curricula of all UNE graduate health programs, including pharmacy, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social work, physician assistant, and medicine, as well as undergraduate nursing and social work programs.
Certified participants will learn various treatment strategies, including medication options and patient communication skills. Sherwood emphasized that this program will be the most extensive of its kind in Maine, aiming to ensure that more professionals are prepared to manage patients with opioid use disorder.
Rebecca Ireland, the project manager, highlighted the lengthy waitlists for treatment services in Maine, noting that many providers lack the training needed to confidently address opioid-related issues. “We know that they’re not getting the services or their providers haven’t gotten the training to be comfortable, confident, and effective,” Ireland stated.
The training will be structured into different components, allowing providers to select the parts that best fit their roles, including those in non-clinical positions who may interact with patients experiencing opioid use disorder. This tailored approach aims to meet individuals where they are, ensuring broader access to critical knowledge and support.
Collaboration and Future Sustainability
The initiative will also collaborate with various healthcare education organizations, such as the Maine Medical Association. Dr. James Jarvis, president of the association, expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact, stating, “By reducing training barriers and aligning statewide partners, the program will have a meaningful, measurable impact on patient safety and community health.”
Funding for the program spans four years, and Sherwood is committed to ensuring its sustainability beyond that period, leveraging the flexibility of the online training platform. Over this timeframe, the initiative aims to train hundreds of students and healthcare employees, ultimately encouraging them to practice in rural areas where they are needed most.
Sherwood noted, “Hopefully once they get in there and they’ve got this training, they could stay there, and it increases the ability to improve our numbers in the workforce.” By addressing the critical lack of trained professionals in rural Maine, this initiative represents a significant step towards improving care for those affected by opioid use disorder and enhancing community health overall.
