A round table discussion on solutions to the rural opioid epidemic was held Tuesday, October 18 at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department in Chester. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted the forum, which was chaired by Jeff Eschmeyer, senior advisor to the Secretary of USDA.
Eschmeyer cited many issues specific to rural areas, including insufficient treatment and recovery facilities, the long distances people must travel to seek or access treatment, and fear of stigma in communities where everyone knows each other.
Additional attendees included other USDA officials, officials from the Farm Service Agency in Maryland and Delaware, law enforcement officers, mental health officials, and leaders in the community
The Star Democrat recently reported on the round table discussion and the challenges faced by drug addicts in rural areas here.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.