Georgia Southern launches rural library initiative, expanding access to opioid harm reduction resources statewide
In rural Georgia, public libraries often serve as a hub, connecting community members to various resources they may otherwise have difficulty accessing. A new program at Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics (IHLA) is helping rural public libraries offer a pathway to addiction recovery and treatment services.
Funded by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, “Rural Opioid Harm Reduction for Libraries” will create a scalable statewide model that equips public libraries to serve as trusted, stigma-free spaces where community members can access information, naloxone (Narcan) and connections to local harm reduction and recovery services.
The pilot phase will occur in partnership with the Ocmulgee Regional Library System, serving a diverse and predominantly rural population in central Georgia. Jennifer Drey, MPH, IHLA community outreach coordinator and project lead, has already met with library leadership to plan the program’s public launch, slated for mid-September this year.
“I’m thrilled to be working directly with these libraries,” said Drey. “Their mission has always been to provide resources and support, this builds on that trusted role in a meaningful new way.”
Library staff will first complete specialized training developed by IHLA in collaboration with harm reduction experts and individuals with lived experience with opioid use disorder. Since they are often the first point of contact for the community, staff members’ competency is critical to the program’s success, according to Drey.
“Our goal is to ensure they feel informed, supported and confident with the materials and conversations involved with this work,” she added.
IHLA will also help libraries host community events, providing additional opportunities for education, outreach and connection to local services.
Lessons learned from the pilot will guide the development of a comprehensive program toolkit, including training materials, program templates, evaluation tools and implementation strategies. The toolkit will be shared through partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service, creating a sustainable and adaptable model that can be used by library systems statewide.
By positioning libraries at the center of community-based opioid response efforts, the program aims to reduce stigma, improve access to care, strengthen pathways to recovery and ultimately save lives in rural Georgia and beyond.
IHLA uses an integrated One Health approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. Its mission is to transform the health and well-being of communities through applied evidence-based practices and technology integration. To learn more about IHLA, visit georgiasouthern.edu/ihla.