Accessing effective substance use disorder (SUD) care in rural and remote areas can feel like a steep uphill climb, but innovative providers are paving new pathways to meet people where they live. Join us for a dynamic conversation showcasing two groundbreaking leaders in rural SUD care who are breaking barriers to provide life-saving support in the most challenging settings.

John Solomon, CEO of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association, will share his experiences flying by bush plane to deliver therapy and SUD treatment to remote Arctic villages, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of geographic isolation.

James Wilson, Harm Reduction Specialist at the California Department of Public Health, will highlight how vending machines are transforming access to naloxone, syringes and other critical resources in California’s Sierra Nevada region, offering a low-barrier model for fair health outcomes.

We’ll explore the role of telehealth, culturally responsive approaches, and novel technologies in expanding care to the hardest-to-reach populations. Whether you’re a provider, policymaker, or advocate, this session will leave you inspired by the creative solutions reshaping rural SUD care.

John Solomon, LPC

Chief Executive Officer

Alaska Behavioral Health Association

John Solomon, CEO of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association, will share his experiences flying by bush plane to deliver therapy and SUD treatment to remote Arctic villages, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of geographic isolation.

 

James Wilson

Harm Reduction Specialist

California Department of Public Health

James Wilson currently works as a harm reduction specialist with the California Department of Public Health. James has propelled overdose prevention interventions in rural and frontier areas over the last decade. Through multi-organization collaboration, James led the implementation of overdose education and naloxone distribution, syringe services, medications for opioid use disorder, and contingency management programs in the region. James is adept at finding innovative solutions to rural disparities. Keeping in mind that transportation and access to health care services are barriers in rural communities, James started the first harm reduction vending machine program in California. His innovative approach to ensuring equitable access to health resources as well as inter-county collaborations continue to drive his work providing technical assistance to local health jurisdictions and syringe services programs throughout California.

Moderators

Sarah Neil Mockridge - Rural Health Interest Group Staff Lead

Director, PIC, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

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Alexandra Plante - Substance Use Interest Group Staff Lead

Senior Advisor, Substance Use Continuum, National Council for Mental Wellbeing