UT Grand Challenge Summit
UT Grand Challenge Grants proposals are underway and our very own Dr. Jamian Coleman presented his teams proposal for “Bridging the Gap: Tailored Distance Education for Rural Addiction Counseling in Tennessee.” The project addresses the critical need for accessible substance use treatment in rural Tennessee communities, contributing to the Grand Challenge of Overcoming Addictions. Despite 19.2% of Tennesseans aged 12 or older requiring substance misuse treatment, 71% receive no assistance (SAMHSA, 2022). A recent needs assessment (TDMHSAS, 2023) underscores the pressing demand for more addiction support in rural Tennessee communities, especially those facing a disproportionate loss of hospitals and a lack of specialized addiction services. These challenges result in higher rates of untreated addiction due to limited access to counselors, services and treatment. Our goal is to create a specialized online course on rural addictions tailored to the distinct needs of these underserved rural communities to train and prepare professionals working in these communities. Recognizing that existing addiction training often focuses on urban settings, this project will provide the necessary knowledge required to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities and how to create and access addiction services to combat these challenges. Through focus groups and interviews with rural mental health providers, we will build our online course and produce research products that are a critical public health need in Tennessee’s rural communities. The session was attended by Dean McIntyre and President Boyd.
Here are the team members who’s dedication made this research and proposal possible.
Jamian Coleman, Ph.D. (P. I.), UTK CEHHS, EPC;
Carrie Bailey, Ph.D. (Co-P.I.), UTK College of Nursing;
Melinda Gibbons, Ph.D., (Co-I.) UTK CEHHS, EPC
Lisa Beasley, DNP, (Co-I.) UT Health Science Center; College of Nursing
Confirmed External Partners:
Avalon Center (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)
Appalachian Industries in Scott Co. (FQHC)
East Tennessee Behavioral Health
Free Medical Clinic: Anderson, Roane, Morgan Counties
Knoxville Day Reporting Center
Village Behavioral Health
Tennessee Valley Recovery
Children’s Advocacy Center McMinnville
We congratulate them all on a job well done and thank them for their dedication to making Tennessee thrive.