A new training initiative at the University of New England aims to equip healthcare professionals across rural Maine with essential skills for responding to the ongoing opioid crisis. The program, named the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, is set to launch no later than August 2026, following a federal grant of $1.6 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration awarded in September 2023.
The initiative seeks to train both students and experienced healthcare workers in rural areas, where access to treatment for opioid use disorder is often limited. According to Devon Sherwood, project director and professor at UNE’s pharmacy school, many communities in Maine are “grossly underserved.” The program will provide training on treatment strategies, including various medication options and patient communication techniques.
With long waitlists for opioid treatment services, many providers lack the necessary training to effectively address opioid use disorder. Rebecca Ireland, project manager for the initiative, highlighted that the program aims to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals, enabling them to identify and treat patients struggling with opioid issues. The goal is to prepare a workforce that can confidently manage these patients, addressing a critical gap in care.
The training will be comprehensive, covering both basic and advanced certification components. This flexibility allows participants to choose training modules that best fit their roles, even for professionals in non-clinical positions who may interact with patients affected by opioid use disorder. Ireland stated, “We want to meet them where they’re at,” emphasizing the program’s adaptability.
Comprehensive Training Across Health Disciplines
The curriculum will integrate opioid response training into all graduate health programs offered by UNE, including pharmacy, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social work, physician assistant, and medicine, as well as undergraduate nursing and social work programs. Additionally, an online training platform will be available for professionals affiliated with partner organizations, such as Penobscot Community Health Care and Northern Light Health.
This initiative also collaborates with various healthcare education organizations, including the Maine Medical Association. Dr. James Jarvis, president of the association, expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact, stating, “By reducing training barriers and aligning statewide partners, the program will have a meaningful, measurable impact on patient safety and community health.”
Sherwood emphasized the importance of sustainability beyond the initial four-year funding period. The program is designed to remain viable due to the online platform’s flexibility, enabling continued training efforts even after the grant concludes.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
The ongoing opioid epidemic poses significant challenges, particularly in rural regions where healthcare services are limited. By training hundreds of students and healthcare employees, the initiative aims to bolster the workforce capable of addressing opioid-related issues effectively.
“Once they get in there and they’ve got this training, they could stay there, and it increases the ability to improve our numbers in the workforce,” Sherwood commented. By encouraging newly trained professionals to practice in rural settings, the program seeks to create a lasting impact on healthcare delivery in Maine.
As opioid-related challenges continue to affect communities, programs like this one are essential in building a knowledgeable healthcare workforce ready to confront the crisis head-on. The University of New England’s initiative stands to significantly improve patient care, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in underserved areas across the state.
