“The number of cases of children entering the foster care system due to parental drug use has more than doubled since 2000, according to research published in JAMA Pediatrics […] A lot of the work out there [on the opioid epidemic] has focused on mortality and overdoses and how it affects adults,” says Angelica Meinhofer, instructor in health care policy and research at Weill Cornell Medicine. “[It’s] less known how the epidemic might spill over to children. (source). “

The Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching Initiative, also known as HEART is a new pilot initiative through Utah State University Extension. This cutting-edge, 4-year pilot program is aligned with National Cooperative Extension’s recently instituted essential focus area in health and wellness. HEART serves as a model of how Extension can join community partners to better address the health and wellness needs in our state. HEART brings unique academic resources into the community, partnering locally and nationally to address the opioid epidemic and other pressing public health issues. Learn More at USU Heart

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse disorder, these resources may be helpful:

• Understanding Drug Use


• Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking about Addiction


• USU HEART Youtube playlist


• 10 Ways to Support Someone in Recovery

Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent?