The Greater Rural Opioid Wellness in Alabama Project (GROW Alabama) is a University of Alabama team of researchers led by Dr. Hee Lee that focuses on implementing a robust opioid prevention, treatment and recovery network in the state of Alabama. The GROW Alabama Project aims to produce meaningful improvement in opioid use and its related negative effects through a comprehensive, diverse, multisector and community partnership in the heavily affected region of northwest Alabama.
Collaborative. Theory-Informed. Impact-Focused.
Areas of Focus
Alabama Counties: Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Marion, Winston
This block of counties comprises a continuous rural area nested next to the Mississippi border between the urban centers of Birmingham to the east, Livingston and Tuscaloosa to the south, and Florence and Huntsville to the north.
Project Goals
Goal 1. Develop a robust, sustainable project through implementing strong community engagement, a theoretically grounded, whole-person public health approach, and planned data-driven, outcomes-focused quality improvement.
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Goal 2. Implement a network of Health Outposts and a web-based opioid education application.
Goal 3. Launch provider training intervention and improve access to comprehensive treatment and support resources.
Goal 4. Implement a new recovery center in each county and a peer-led recovery initiative.