MU Extension Receives Federal Grant For Opioid Community Health Initiative

University of Missouri Extension says a $1.1 million dollar federal grant will focus on a community health initiative intended to help rural communities counter the effect of the opioid crisis by focusing on local workforce recovery efforts.

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance grant comes from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration. The grant will serve about 35,000 Missourians through the state’s 8 MU Extension regions. The program is intended to develop best practices, models and networks to guide recovery efforts. The program’s efforts will also document the impact of factors on substance abuse issues and workforce development needs.

The MU Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems will also help identify 5 communities to participate in a PROSPER program developed through Iowa State University that embeds life skills and community and family support efforts into the middle school curriculum.

Sixth and seventh grade students will learn skills in communication, listening, resisting peer pressure, building positive self-esteem, resilience and more. Later this fall, parents and guardians will be invited to seven evening sessions that complement what their children have been learning in school.