What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate how Washington's Opioid Treatment Network supports buprenorphine prescribing in rural settings.

March 29, 2026The Journal of Rural Health0 citationsOpen Access

Expanding access to low‐barrier opioid use disorder treatment in non‐traditional settings: Washington's opioid treatment network

SDShay M. DailyBrandeis University SRSharon ReifBrandeis University ESElizabeth C. SpeakerWashington Department of Social and Health Services

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate how Washington's Opioid Treatment Network supports buprenorphine prescribing in rural settings.
Assessment of buprenorphine utilization across various regions in Washington.
Comparison of rural and micropolitan areas regarding treatment access and opioid use disorder (OUD) prevalence.
Analysis of prescribing patterns in response to demand for OUD treatment.
Buprenorphine utilization remained consistent in most rural areas despite OUD demand increases.
Micropolitan areas showed discrepancies in treatment access compared to small towns.
The network illustrates a viable strategy to enhance opioid treatment accessibility.

Abstract

Washington's OTN provides an example of one strategy that may support greater prescribing of buprenorphine and help mitigate the opioid crisis in small town/rural areas. Except among micropolitan areas, OTNs were able to keep pace in buprenorphine utilization despite demand from increased OUD prevalence.

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