Impact Summary 2021–2022

“CMREN’s HRSA RCORP-I grant (2020–2023) has driven critical SUD/OUD prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across Mecosta, Osceola, and Newaygo counties. Initially partnering with four organizations, we’ve expanded to 26 partners—including law enforcement, drug courts, schools, and healthcare providers—uniting to bridge gaps and amplify recovery support. Ferris State University proudly serves as the grant fiduciary, fostering collaboration for lasting impact.”

— Gail Bullard DHEd, MSA, RN

CMREN Project Director

Community Service Projects

Community Health Grant

Telehealth in Rural Michigan: Increasing Access to SUD/OUD Services in Mecosta, Osceola, and Newaygo Counties

In May of 2021, through HRSA RCORP-I funding, Ferris State University, in collaboration with Family Health Care, was awarded a Community Impact Grant from the Michigan Health Endowment entitled "Telehealth in Rural Michigan – Increasing Access to SUD/OUD Services in Mecosta, Osceola, and Newaygo Counties”.

A collaborative study was a of the current use of telehealth specific to SUD/OUD in the three-county to improve access, reduce stigma, and decrease costs to patients.  The project will pursued the identification of strengths, opportunities, and gaps regarding the use of telehealth focused on the inclusions of clinical pharmacy as a source for SUD/OUD telehealth medication education and management, and a social determinants of health evaluation. The telehealth project was deemed successful, with Family Health Care replicating the model to other areas of telehealth within their system. The project also implemented a new pharmacy residency program between Family Health Care and Ferris State University College of Pharmacy which allows pharmacy graduates pursuing specialized post-graduate study in rural health.

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Economic Impact

The calculated economic impact for the HRSA-RCORPI -II funding of CMREN for the 2021-2022 grant year cycle is 2.15.

Accomplishments Year 2 include but are not limited to:

• Education

  • Virtual stigma reduction sessions, lunch and learn series, and deliberative dialogues.

  • Stigma education events at FSU, a children’s day camp, and a Senior Center.

  • Pharmacist training on discussing Narcan use.

• Prevention

  • Narcan training/distribution in two county jails, four churches, a school, and campus events.

  • Drug disposal training and Deterra pouch distribution via senior centers and campus events.

  • Funded a drug disposal box for an Osceola County pharmacy, ensuring full coverage in Mecosta/Osceola counties.

  • Narcan awareness campaign on Big Rapids transit buses.

  • Provided Narcan and training to youth camp staff.

• Treatment

  • Ongoing efforts to expand MAT/MOUD access with Spectrum Health.

  • Community Mental Health launched same-day access five days a week.

  • Collaborating with partners on Peer Recovery coaches and Community Health Workers.

  • Initiating a Families Against Narcotics Chapter to provide 24/7 peer recovery support.

• Recovery

  • Social workers added to two county jails.

  • Women’s recovery house expanded capacity; a men’s recovery house project is underway.

  • Partner Family Health Care FQHC launched an Early Relapse Recovery Group.

• Research & Grants

  • Graduate Projects: Community perspectives on drug disposal, stigma training toolkit, SUD/OUD assessments in dental and outpatient surgery settings.

  • Michigan Health Endowment Grant: Pharmacy telehealth initiative for SUD/OUD support, including an FSU pharmacy residency program.