Mobilizing Rural Communities To Improve Quality Of Life And Promote Opioid Prevention Among Low- Resource Veterans

<p>The overall goal of this project is to improve the quality of life for low-resource veterans living in rural areas, particularly those with substance use and mental health problems. The objective is to deliver the Reaching Rural Veteran program in 5 rural counties in each of three states: Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Data to evaluate both the processes and outcomes of the project will be collected. Three strategies will be used to achieve the project goal: 1) Mobilizing communities by delivering training to improve cultural competence for supporting veterans and reduce or prevent opioid abuse; 2) Building connections by creating opportunities for veterans to more easily access resources and reduce their social isolation; and 3) Empowering veterans by increasing their awareness, knowledge and use of needed resources. This project addresses four targets of the RHSE program specified in the RFA for health education projects: it trains service providers and volunteers concerning health promotion and health care services; it engages state, local and community partners; it delivers information about and access to health promotion activities; and delivers information to increase individual or families’ motivation to take more responsibility for their own health.</p>