Support and Resources Available for Rural Communities Amid the Opioid Crisis
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Farmers and their families face tremendous stresses that come with managing an agricultural business, and these increased hardships create a vulnerable demographic for opioid misuse. Financial pressure and unpredictable weather, dynamic commodity and input prices, unreliable labor markets and inconsistent supply chains are just a few of the most recent challenges for farmers.
Farming can also be dangerous work, with high risk for injuries. While opioid misuse is a national crisis, rural communities often see more dramatic effects where the prevalence of overdose deaths among opioid users is significantly higher than in urban communities.
Startling statistics reveal the depth of the crisis in rural communities. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, an estimated 74% of farmers or farmworkers are or have been impacted by opioid misuse, and 26% of farmers and farmworkers report they have abused, been addicted to or have taken an opioid without a prescription.
Unfortunately, Michigan has higher rates of prescribed opioids in circulation and higher rates of opioid-related overdoses and deaths than national averages, so statewide prevention efforts to address the public health crisis are a priority.
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Removing the Stigma
In recent years, Michigan State University Extension has received multiple state and federal grants to support community-based education around opioid misuse. MSU Extension’s health programs teach participants common aspects of prevention such as self-management strategies, communication skills, self-efficacy, and goal setting or personal health action plans. Education aims to reduce dependency on opioids, prevent opioid misuse and share nonpharmacological solutions to pain management for those living with chronic conditions.
Cheryl Eschbach, director of MSU Extension’s health and nutrition programming, explains that accessible support and health resources are more critical than ever for Michigan farmers.
“Current trends reveal Michigan is above the national average for drug overdose deaths,” she says. “In 2019, Michigan had an average of five deaths per day due to opioid overdoses. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the impact of the opioid crisis in Michigan, with preliminary data showing increased overdose deaths and likely underreported fatalities in 2020. Opioid misuse can happen to anyone. Prevention works. Treatment is available. Recovery is possible.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug misuse, online classes are available at no cost through MSU Extension. To see class offerings for chronic disease prevention and management, mindfulness and stress/anger reduction, and opioid misuse awareness and prevention training, view the online events calendar at canr.msu.edu/misuper.
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