UW Social Work Faculty Member Presents Research on Substance Use Treatment in Wyoming

A faculty member with the University of Wyoming’s Division of Social Work recently presented her research -- examining treatment for substance use across Wyoming -- on a national level.

Jordan Dyett, an assistant professor with the Division of Social Work, part of the UW College of Health Sciences, presented her findings at the 2026 Social Work Research Conference in Washington, D.C., in January. Funding for Dyett’s research was provided by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center.

Dyett’s research focused specifically on examining how treatment providers are supporting individuals with substance use histories and using community-based methods to identify both barriers to treatment and effective solutions.

“Families across Wyoming navigate the impacts of substance use while seeking support and recovery,” Dyett says. “While providers exist within the state, many face barriers to effectively meeting the needs of their patients, due to things such as a lack of transportation, affordable housing or limited funding to meet the needs of their patients.”

One of the most prominent challenges facing individuals dealing with substance use issues is a shortage of health care providers trained in specific areas of substance use and treatment. Members of rural communities, such as those found throughout Wyoming, often must travel long distances to meet with a qualified care provider and, frequently, weather and road conditions complicate things further. Others struggle to access health care altogether due to limited access to transportation.

One solution Dyett found was taking a community-based approach to understand how providers were still meeting the needs of their patients despite these challenges. In all, she interviewed 36 providers around the state and 11 people receiving care. Interacting with these individuals resulted in a better awareness of how providers used their resources to best serve their community.

“Some providers helped patients access resources, such as telehealth, to connect them with care, while others found creative solutions, including purchasing electric bikes to reduce transportation barriers,” Dyett says.

“Dr. Dyett’s work reflects a strong commitment to improving access to substance use services and care across Wyoming, and offers thoughtful, practical contributions, with particular attention to reducing barriers for individuals and families,” says Valerie Thompson-Ebanks, director of the UW Division of Social Work.

While participants remain anonymous, the experiences and outcomes of those involved in Dyett’s research will inform the education and training of students preparing for careers in rural and frontier social work.

“As Wyoming’s land-grant university, and through the collaborative work of the College of Health Sciences, we have a responsibility to generate solutions that work in the communities we serve,” says Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Dr. Dyett’s research exemplifies how our faculty partner with providers and residents to address real barriers to care in rural and frontier settings. The insights gained not only strengthen services across the state but also prepare our students to enter practice ready to meet Wyoming’s most pressing behavioral health needs.”

To learn more about the UW Division of Social Work, go to  www.uwyo.edu/socialwork/index.html.