A significant initiative is set to address the ongoing opioid crisis in rural Maine through a new training program spearheaded by the University of New England (UNE). The program, named the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, will equip hundreds of healthcare professionals with essential skills to manage opioid use disorder. Funded by a four-year $1.6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, the program aims to launch no later than August 2026.
The opioid epidemic continues to impact communities across Maine, particularly in rural areas that often struggle with access to effective treatment. According to Devon Sherwood, project director and professor at UNE’s pharmacy school, many regions remain “grossly underserved.” The training will not only cater to students but also to existing healthcare workers, enhancing their capabilities to recognize and treat opioid disorders.
Participants will be educated on various treatment strategies, including medication options and effective communication techniques with patients. Sherwood emphasized the program’s comprehensive nature, stating it will be the most extensive of its kind in Maine. “The goal is to ensure more professionals are equipped to manage patients with opioid use disorder,” she noted.
The need for such training is pressing. Rebecca Ireland, project manager, highlighted that waitlists for opioid and substance use treatment services are “extremely long.” Many healthcare providers lack the necessary training to address these disorders confidently. The new program aims to bridge that gap by providing a foundational understanding of opioid use disorder, treatment options, and patient support strategies, even for professionals who do not specialize in this area.
Comprehensive Training for All Healthcare Professionals
The training will be integrated into the curricula of UNE’s graduate health programs, including pharmacy, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social work, physician assistant, and medicine. Additionally, undergraduate nursing and social work students will also benefit. An online component will cater to professionals associated with various partner organizations, including Penobscot Community Health Care and Northern Light Health.
The initiative offers a flexible structure, allowing participants to choose from basic and advanced certifications tailored to their specific roles. This approach ensures that even those in non-clinical positions can acquire the necessary knowledge to support patients dealing with opioid use disorder. Ireland remarked that the program aims to “meet them where they’re at,” addressing the varied needs of healthcare workers in rural communities.
Collaboration with multiple healthcare education organizations, including the Maine Medical Association, further enhances the program’s potential impact. Dr. James Jarvis, the association’s president, expressed optimism about the program’s ability to improve patient safety and community health, stating it will help prevent overdose deaths in Maine.
Sustainability Beyond Initial Funding
While the program is initially funded for four years, Sherwood is committed to ensuring its long-term sustainability. She believes the flexibility of the online platform will facilitate continued training beyond the grant period. Over the first four years, hundreds of students and healthcare employees are expected to receive training.
Following completion, graduates will be encouraged to practice in rural sites, with the hope that this experience will foster a sustainable healthcare workforce in these underserved areas. “Once they get in there with this training, they may decide to stay, which would significantly improve our workforce numbers,” Sherwood stated.
This initiative represents a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by the opioid crisis in Maine, equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to provide effective care and support to those struggling with opioid use disorder.
