Matthew Swift on Rural Recovery: Data, Community, and Resilience
Episode Overview
The discussion provides valuable insights into the impactful work of the RCORP-TA "Ask a Grantee" live session Matthew offers a comprehensive overview of the psych STEM project, highlighting its continuation and the challenges it addresses The conversation delves into the demographics, substance use trends, and access disparities in West Central Indiana Matthew emphasises the strategic approach to addressing challenges, involving the subpopulation and continuously seeking feedback The utilisation of peer workers and the emphasis on a simple yet effective approach underscore the potential for impactful change
One of the biggest disparities is purely access. We have a significant lack of infrastructure in these rural counties. Traditionally, they've really relied on Vigo County, which is the metropolitan county I mentioned that these all neighbor. So for a long time, resources were built up in this metropolitan county, but everybody had to travel to get here. And nowadays, we're seeing these issues with transportation and all that, and we're realizing that model does not work.
What does it take to tackle substance use disorders in rural America? Guest host Robert Childs sits down with Matthew Swift from United Way of the Wabash Valley to find out. In this episode of 'Rural Roads: The RCORPodcast', they dive into the nitty-gritty of the RCORP-TA 'Ask a Grantee' live session. Matthew breaks down their data collection strategies, the recovery capital scale, and how they evaluate their services.
But it's not all numbers and metrics; Matthew also shares heartwarming stories of resilience and community spirit. He talks about the psych STEM project and its role in prevention programs, and how they're navigating hiring and retention challenges in the post-COVID telehealth world. One highlight is the establishment of a recovery cafe, a haven for those seeking a supportive recovery community.
Throughout the conversation, you'll get a clear picture of the substance use trends in West Central Indiana and the strategic approaches being employed to address these issues. Matthew emphasizes the power of simplicity and peer workers in making a real impact. If you're interested in how rural communities are fighting back against substance use disorders, this episode is a must-listen.