A new initiative from the University of New England (UNE) aims to combat the opioid crisis in rural Maine by training hundreds of health care professionals in opioid response strategies. The program, named the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, is designed to instruct both current healthcare workers and students in effective treatment and management of opioid use disorder.
The training is critical as many rural areas in Maine are considered “grossly underserved,” making it challenging for individuals to access necessary care. According to Devon Sherwood, project director and professor at UNE’s pharmacy school, the initiative addresses a significant gap in training among health care providers. “We want to equip more professionals to manage patients with opioid use disorder,” Sherwood stated.
Comprehensive Training to Address Urgent Needs
The program is expected to launch no later than August 2026, with hopes for an earlier start. It will be the most comprehensive training of its kind in Maine. Rebecca Ireland, the project manager, highlighted the urgent need for this initiative: “Waitlists for opioid and other substance use treatment services in Maine are extremely long.” Many patients are not receiving the necessary care due to a lack of trained providers.
The training curriculum will cover various treatment strategies, including medication options, recognition of opioid disorders, and effective communication with patients. It will be integrated into all UNE graduate health programs, including pharmacy, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social work, physician assistant, and medicine, as well as undergraduate nursing and social work programs. An online component will also be available for professionals collaborating with partner organizations such as the Penobscot Community Health Care system and Northern Light Health.
Building a Sustainable Workforce
The initiative is funded by a $1.6 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, awarded in September 2023. Sherwood emphasized the goal of making the program sustainable beyond the initial four years of funding. This flexibility will allow the course to adapt and continue training new health care professionals.
The training will offer both basic and advanced certification options, catering to a wide range of health care roles. This approach ensures that even professionals in non-clinical positions can gain essential knowledge to support patients with opioid use disorder. “We aim to meet them where they’re at,” Ireland said.
Collaboration with various health care education organizations, including the Maine Medical Association, will enhance the program’s impact. Dr. James Jarvis, president of the association, noted that by reducing training barriers, this initiative will significantly improve patient safety and community health. “This training will help prevent overdose deaths in the state,” he added.
Once trained, participants will be encouraged to work in rural areas, contributing to the healthcare workforce where it is most needed. Sherwood expressed optimism: “Hopefully, once they get in there and have this training, they will stay and help improve our numbers in the workforce.”
This program represents a crucial step in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic in Maine, equipping health care professionals with the necessary tools to better serve their communities.
