The Institute for Intergovernmental Research, in partnership with the State Justice Institute, created the Reaching Rural Resource Center: Justice and Behavioral Health. This site serves as a comprehensive resource hub and connection point to share timely publications, complementary websites, webinars and other virtual leaning opportunities, and solution-oriented guidance specifically focusing on rural communities at the nexus of justice, behavioral health, and substance use disorder (SUD).
The R3C will be maintained by IIR as a “living” space, evolving to reflect the dynamic disciplines, experts, and organizations driving solutions for rural America by continually canvassing the field for additional materials, program spotlights, funding sources, and evidence-based practices. Some of the most-referenced, no-cost resources on the R3C include IIR’s Overdose Fatality Review website (featuring a suite of practical toolkits), Successful Strategies for Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Rural Communities series, and resources related to implementing peer support services across the intercepts.
Through funding provided by SJI, IIR and partnering agency Rulo Strategies are able to offer field-assisted support at no charge to rural communities. Through the R3C, users can request a wide range of tailored assistance in different modalities, including virtual coaching, on-site visits, resource gathering, networking, and grant-writing support. The site also features a Collaboration Center, where rural practitioners from across the country can virtually network—sharing, learning, and force-multiplying one another’s important work. The R3C—and its opportunities for peer-to-peer connection, multisystem collaboration, and professional development—is intentionally and impactfully filling gaps in field-focused assistance left by the cancellation of the Reaching Rural Initiative. The R3C team looks forward to its continued work with rural communities across the United States and hopes that the Reaching Rural Resource Center: Justice and Behavioral Health is a valuable tool in the collective commitment to support justice-involved individuals battling mental health issues and SUD.