Opioid Addiction Prevention Program Goes to Rural Colorado

Opioid Addiction Prevention Program Goes to Rural Colorado

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett
Drug overdoses — especially opioids — have become a leading reason for early death in Colorado. According to the Colorado Health Institute overdose deaths surpass other causes like traffic accidents and guns.

The effects of the national opioid crisis are being felt particularly in farming and rural areas.

Colorado State University has received about $1.4 million in federal grants for a project in which community professionals — including CSU Extension agents — will work with kids from 10 to 14 and their families to prevent drug experimentation before it starts.

Extension agents are being trained to deal with opioid abuse. Abby Weber, a family and consumer sciences agent with CSU Extension and 4H in southeast Colorado's Bent County says this approach uses existing community relationships.

The families enrolled with participate in a seven-week program to help parenting, substance refusal and family strengthening skills. The program will also include media and social media to raise public awareness about the danger of using opioids like heroin and oxycodone.

Previous ReportHoliday Food Tips from Chef Jason Morse
Next ReportReminder to Producers About the Ag Survey