Initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture seek to combat the rural opioid epidemic. Announced Monday, two programs by USDA were formed to strengthen outreach and education resources at the local level to combat the epidemic. USDA says opioid addiction, including heroin and prescription drug misuse, is a fast-growing problem that played a role in more than 28,000 deaths in 2014. The opioid crisis disproportionately affects rural communities, according to USDA, due to the lack of outreach and treatment resources available in remote areas. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says “it's clear that rural communities need our help.” Vilsack says he has directed local USDA teams to “step up” and expand resources and programs to battle the opioid epidemic." The announcement coincides with President Barack Obama's designated Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week from September 18th – 23rd.
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