Promoting harm reduction in rural South Dakota using an interdisciplinary consortium

Deaths from drug-related overdoses are increasing. Rural areas continue to have fewer accessible resources than urban areas. The START-SD (Stigma, Treatment, Avoidance, and Recover in Time - South Dakota) project is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and aims to address needs surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) in South Dakota. Pharmacists can play a key role in these efforts.

Describe harm reduction and prevention activities implemented through START-SD to reduce the impact of SUD in South Dakota.

The interdisciplinary team at South Dakota State University, including pharmacists and student pharmacist researchers, partnered with collaborating organizations to provide improved access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those impacted by SUD.

Given the rural and conservative nature of the state, the START-SD team used an innovative framework to implement harm reduction and prevention programs that other states could adopt.

Because the START-SD project uses evidence-based programs, evaluation focuses on the number of programs implemented and the number of people subsequently served. Data are collected and reported biannually by the team.

The core team established and expanded an interdisciplinary consortium and advisory board. A variety of harm reduction and prevention strategies were implemented: establishing and developing partnerships with key organizations, working to increase access to harm reduction programs, facilitating educational activities and trainings, and working to reduce stigma related to SUD and harm reduction.

Reducing the impact of SUD requires a broad, multifaceted approach, as well as overcoming many environmental barriers. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are uniquely positioned to positively affect harm reduction for patients.

More work to decrease the impact of SUD is needed, particularly in rural areas. Pharmacists can play a key role in projects to increase the reach and impact of prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.