Reaching Rural Initiative

The Reaching Rural Initiative brings together rural practitioners from different professional backgrounds and areas throughout the country to support them as they grow as leaders and advance solutions to address the persistent challenges of substance use in their communities. Reaching Rural fellows are selected through a competitive application process to participate in the initiative through one of two tracks: either as part of a cross-sector team from their community or as individuals. Throughout the year-long program, fellows learn directly from rural practitioners and each other, receive coaching, and participate in skill-building workshops and peer-to-peer learning experiences. Upon completion of the planning initiative, communities are eligible to apply for funding to implement a project planned during their fellowship. Reaching Rural is co-sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the State Justice Institute.