The US Department of Agriculture has launched a website to link rural residents with health services that combat opioids.

USDA California Director Kim Dolbow-Vann says they decided to step in because many areas are overwhelmed and cannot afford to subsidize treatments. Dolbrow-Vann says workers in rural areas are also more prone to injury while babies being born addicted has increased seven-fold.

Kern County had 51 opioid overdose deaths in 2016 with most in Oildale or the Kern River Valley.

A link to the website can be found here: https://www.usda.gov/topics/opioids

Kelli Pierce