ECHOing Change: Tracking Statewide Participation in a Substance Use Learning Network

Abstract Background: The Ohio Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder (AUD/SUD) Project ECHO, based at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), is a statewide virtual learning initiative launched in 2017 to enhance providers’ capacity to deliver evidence-based addiction care. Initially focused on opioid use disorder, the program has expanded to include alcohol use disorder and emphasizes integrating MOUD and MAUD into behavioral and primary care. The program also aims to reduce professional isolation and promote multidisciplinary collaboration. Methods: This descriptive study examined the program’s reach, engagement, and delivery across two time periods (2017–2021 and 2024–2025). Data were sourced from the ECHO and iECHO platforms, including attendance logs, session frequency, and topic coverage. Analyses focused on trends in participation, session content, and international engagement. Results: The program demonstrated consistent growth in session frequency, topic diversity, and participant engagement from 2017 to 2021. After a funding lapse from 2022 to 2023, the program was relaunched and engaged over 160 unique network members from multiple countries. Sessions covered innovative and clinically relevant topics. Limitations included incomplete logging of case discussions and gaps in tracking demographics and continuing education (CE/CME). Conclusions: The Ohio AUD/SUD Project ECHO has shown strong potential as a sustainable and scalable model for addiction workforce development. Despite some data limitations, the program continues to fill critical training gaps and support healthcare providers during an ongoing public health crisis. Trial registration Not applicable.