The OWEP is designed to increase community access to practitioners trained in substance misuse screening, intervention and treatment services by increasing the numbers of SUD-prepared practitioners. By primarily targeting Appalachia, and the surrounding region, this program seeks to address the workforce capacity gap by providing stipends to students in the final practicum with agencies who are committed to meet the needs of those experiencing SUD.
This program provides a $10,000 stipend across two semesters for admitted students. Students must subsequently successfully complete their practicum at an approved agency, with SUD related experiences, and successfully complete two trainings, one related to telehealth and one related to substance misuse.