A new training initiative aimed at combating the opioid crisis will launch in rural Maine, with the University of New England (UNE) securing a $1.6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The program, titled the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, is designed to equip hundreds of health care professionals with essential opioid response strategies, addressing a critical need in underserved communities.
The opioid epidemic continues to have a profound impact on Maine, particularly in rural areas where access to care for opioid use disorder is severely limited. According to Devon Sherwood, the project director and a professor at UNE’s pharmacy school, the program will serve both current health care workers and students preparing to enter the field. “We aim to get more people equipped to manage patients with opioid use disorder,” Sherwood stated.
Comprehensive Training for Health Care Professionals
The training program, slated to begin no later than August 2026, will be the most comprehensive of its kind in the state. It will incorporate treatment strategies, such as medication options, as well as skills for recognizing opioid disorders and effectively communicating with patients. Project manager Rebecca Ireland emphasized the urgency of this training, noting the “extremely long” waitlists for substance use treatment services in Maine.
Many health care providers currently lack the necessary training to confidently address opioid use disorder. Ireland mentioned that many positions in this field remain vacant, complicating access to care. The program’s goal is to empower even those professionals who do not specialize in this area, ensuring they possess a foundational understanding of the issue.
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, as well as undergraduate nursing and social work programs. Additionally, an online component will be available for professionals affiliated with partner organizations, such as the Penobscot Community Health Care system and Northern Light Health.
Enhancing Community Health and Safety
The initiative will offer various training components, allowing participants to select certifications that align with their roles. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals in non-clinical positions who may still interact with patients experiencing opioid use disorder. “We want to meet them where they’re at,” Ireland added.
Collaboration with health care education organizations is also a key aspect of the program. Dr. James Jarvis, president of the Maine Medical Association, highlighted the program’s potential to make a significant impact on patient safety and community health. “By reducing training barriers and aligning statewide partners, the program will help prevent overdose deaths in the state,” he noted.
The funding for this initiative, awarded in September 2023, is intended to support the program for its initial four years. Sherwood expressed confidence in the program’s sustainability due to the adaptable nature of the online platform. The university anticipates training hundreds of students and health care employees during this period.
After completing their training, participants will be encouraged to practice in rural areas, helping to address workforce shortages. Sherwood conveyed hope that this initiative would contribute to retaining trained professionals in these regions, ultimately enhancing the availability of critical care services.
As Maine grapples with the ongoing challenges of the opioid crisis, this program represents a proactive step toward improving health care responses and fostering a more informed workforce capable of addressing the needs of their communities.
