In eastern North Carolina, patients seeking help for opioid use disorder can now receive treatment from their own primary care providers, thanks to a statewide network that supports doctors with training and resources.
- Primary care doctors now provide frontline addiction treatment
- A hub-and-spoke model supports rural clinics with training and expertise
- $50 billion federal investment aims to transform rural health care
What happened
In North Carolina, an innovative network called the NC STAR Network has emerged to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This model integrates addiction treatment into primary care through a partnership of medical schools and community health centers. The network covers 88 of the state’s 100 counties, offering a seamless way for patients to receive care locally.
This development follows a 2023 federal policy change that lifted restrictions for healthcare providers to prescribe buprenorphine, a highly effective medication for opioid addiction. Supported initially by federal funds and now funded by the state health department, the network uses a hub-and-spoke system to ensure continuous training and support for primary care providers in rural areas.
Why it feels good
This approach treats addiction as a chronic condition integrated within whole-person care, reflecting the real, ongoing needs of patients. Primary care doctors often have long-standing relationships with their patients, building trust and continuity that can be pivotal in effective addiction treatment.
The network’s bidirectional communication ensures learning flows both ways—community clinics inform hubs of local realities while hubs provide resources and expertise. This collaboration empowers rural healthcare providers and enhances care quality close to home, breaking down stigma and barriers to treatment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Continue to watch how the NC STAR Network’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to integrate addiction medicine into primary care, especially in underserved rural regions. As the network expands and adapts, it promises to improve outcomes for thousands struggling with substance use disorders.
Beyond treatment numbers, expect to see more stories of individual patients benefiting from receiving care in trusted community settings. This ongoing progress highlights the importance of accessible healthcare and the power of innovative partnerships in addressing tough public health challenges.