Promoting harm reduction in rural South Dakota using an interdisciplinary consortium

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacology
• Rural Health

Background:

• Rising drug overdose deaths present a significant public health challenge.
• Rural areas face disparities in accessing resources for substance use disorder (SUD).
• The START-SD project addresses SUD needs in South Dakota, with pharmacists playing a vital role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe harm reduction and prevention activities implemented through the START-SD project.
• To reduce the impact of SUD in South Dakota.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary team at South Dakota State University partnered with organizations to improve access to SUD services.
• An innovative framework was used to implement harm reduction and prevention programs adaptable for other states.
• Evaluation focused on program implementation and reach, with data collected biannually.

Main Results:

• An interdisciplinary consortium and advisory board were established and expanded.
• Key harm reduction and prevention strategies included forming partnerships, increasing program access, facilitating education, and reducing stigma.
• The project aimed to increase access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Conclusions:

• Addressing SUD requires a multifaceted approach and overcoming environmental barriers.
• Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are well-positioned to enhance patient harm reduction.
• Continued efforts are needed to decrease SUD impact, especially in rural regions, with pharmacists central to expanding prevention and treatment reach.