Elaine T. Jurkowski, PhD, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Quigley 4, M/C 4329, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, (618) 453-2243, etjurkow@siu.edu

Access to health care resources in rural areas for all people, regardless of impairment can be a challenge in rural communities due to a host of factors which include the limited number of health professionals, health care resources, transportation and health beliefs of the consumers/providers. These factors can be magnified when considering a target population of people with disabilities with co-existing substance abuse issues. This study examines the facilitators and barriers to care and service delivery from the vantage point of the service providers working in the substance abuse treatment network in the southern part of a Midwest state. Agencies within a 27 county network of service providers were surveyed with an instrument that incorporated questions using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, through the use of a mail survey. Findings suggest that providers do not perceive the severity and seriousness of substance abuse issues for people with disabilities in the same manner as people without disabilities. Findings also suggest that providers within the Substance Abuse network do not feel equipped nor competent to serve people with disabilities. Recommendations for strategies to improve access to care and service delivery in rural communities including in-service training are discussed.

Learning Objectives: