Strengthening Rural Communities through Opioid Recovery and Support
In the fall of 2023, Fairview Grand Itasca received a $1.5M Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) federal grant to utilize over 3 years to support individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, and more specifically infants, mothers, and their families impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
In addition to starting Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Services at Fairview Grand Itasca, a primary component is working with community members and organizations to identify and address areas of opportunity to support those that are struggling with opioid use through the Supporting Healing & Outreach in Rural Environments from Substances (SHORES) Community Consortium.
From expanding access to treatment to building stronger community partnerships, Fairview Grand Itasca has made significant progress in supporting individuals and families impacted by opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD).
In September 2023, Fairview Grand Itasca began a three-year, $1.5 million federal Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant focused on supporting individuals experiencing OUD, with particular attention to infants, mothers and families impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
Before the grant began, there were no Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) prescribers at Grand Itasca. Between 2023 and 2026, the number of clinic providers prescribing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) grew to 15, spanning Family Medicine, Family Medicine with Obstetrics, Women's Health & Birth, and Internal Medicine.
Expanding Access to Care
Over the three years of the RCORP grant:
- 105 infants were screened for NAS, with five confirmed cases.
- More than 80 patients received MOUD services, including patients who also received psychotherapy.
- 36 patients received MOUD continuously for three months or longer during the final grant year.
- 15 pregnant patients have been supported since September 2024.
Today, more than 45 active patients receiving MOUD and/or perinatal substance use support are being cared for by the MOUD team and providers.
The Fairview Grand Itasca MOUD team includes a Substance Use Disorder Care Coordinator, a Community Health Worker and providers. Together, they help patients navigate treatment, connect with community resources and address the needs that can make recovery more difficult.
Patient Testimonial
“I struggled with addiction, trauma, guilt and isolation for most of my life. After losing my wife and spending 3½ years in a difficult place, I felt lost and afraid. That’s when I met Dawn Olson, NP, and later Kelsey and Sue. For the first time, I wasn’t alone. They gave me a plan, encouragement and practical support, helping me access medications, navigate challenges and become more self-sufficient. Kelsey was especially important to my recovery, offering understanding and encouragement when I needed it most. Today, I’ve been free from addiction for 4½ years, have had a steady job for more than a year, have rebuilt relationships and look forward to the future. Without the Suboxone program and the support of this team at Grand Itasca, I don’t know where I would be today. They truly helped me believe I was worth it, and I am incredibly thankful for their compassion and support.”
A Community Effort
The RCORP grant also helped strengthen partnerships beyond the walls of the hospital. The RCORP Consortium evolved into the Supporting Healing & Outreach in Rural Environments from Substances (SHORES) Community Consortium, bringing community organizations and partners together to identify gaps and create meaningful resources for people affected by substance use.
Through this collaboration, the grant supported initiatives including a sharps container outside the Emergency Department, an anti-stigma campaign and website, two culturally based birth doula trainings incorporating traditional Indigenous birthing practices, a Naloxone Access Point (NAP) site, and community artwork created by Samsoche Sampson.
MOUD staff also provided OUD, MOUD and NAS education to eight external organizations, helping build knowledge and connections throughout the region.
Provider Testimonial
"Every encounter working with my OUD patients has been impactful to me by helping to keep the patient comfortable in their recovery and seeing them feel empowered to stay drug free during their pregnancies and after to care for their babies. This keeps me motivated to help these patients manage their journey every step of the way." – Kelsey Gibson, NP
Continuing the Work
Although the RCORP grant concluded in August 2026, the work continues. Fairview Grand Itasca has been awarded $750,000 over 3.5 years through the Opioid Epidemic Response Services (OERS) grant from the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The first full year of the grant began July 1, 2026.
The OERS grant will support continued growth of MOUD services, perinatal support and birth doula training, workforce development and education focused on opioid-related substance use disorders, with an emphasis on supporting the American Indian community. It will also continue support for the SHORES Community Consortium and anti-stigma efforts.
Together, these efforts are helping create stronger connections, expand access to care and ensure people and families in rural communities have support close to home.
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