Stemming the Opioid Crisis With Three-Year-Olds in Rural America

Abstract

The opioid crisis occurring within rural communities of America is inflicting a devastating effect on individuals, their families, and children. This amplifies a gap in the available support for families in rural communities. The national, state, and local responses to the needs have been inconsistent and uncoordinated, demanding a critical and appropriate frontline response from those who spend the most time with the youngest and most vulnerable. This chapter describes the urgency of this crisis with information about the effects of opioid and substance abuse disorder on maternal-fetal health and young children. It identifies the role of early childhood professionals as frontline responders to support children and families affected by trauma associated with opioid and substance abuse disorder.