Valeria Lasarovna Garcia is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
The opioid crisis has been a trending topic in the United States for the last decade, fueled lately by the prevalence of street substances laced with fentanyl and skyrocketing overdoses. Pharmacists remain on the front line as educators and the most accessible health care professionals. APhA stands as an ally.
Operation Substance Use Disorders—brought to APhA–ASP through a collaboration with Walmart, Inc.—is an educational program in which student pharmacists work in their communities to prevent misuse of prescription medication, break the stigma of substance use disorders, support patients in recovery, and advocate for the profession. Here, at the University of Florida, Gainesville campus, Operation Substance Use Disorders has spearheaded multiple efforts to elevate the message, focused on harm reduction measures and prevention through education.
Narcan training
First and foremost, NARCAN! Naloxone, or—as it is commonly known—Narcan, is a lifesaving medication used to reverse suspected opioid overdoses. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and by restoring breathing. Narcan is now available OTC and is more accessible than ever. Furthermore, all universities and colleges in the state of Florida are now required to provide opioid overdose treatments in dorm halls.
Narcan trainings are a staple event for Operation Substance Use Disorders, held every semester both in person and virtually. Drug Free Duval sponsors and hosts the trainings, providing free Narcan nasal sprays at the end of the training.
Tailgate fun for all Gators
Football is synonymous with the University of Florida! Tailgating and going to football games during the fall months is a tradition for most living in the Gainesville community. In order to foster inclusion and a safe space, Operation Substance Use Disorders has partnered with the University of Florida Gatorwell Organization to host “Sober Tailgates.”
These tailgate events offer a space where everyone can enjoy the festivities of tailgating such as fun games, good food, and enjoyable company, minus the presence of excessive alcohol and substance use. This opportunity invites those in recovery to come out and enjoy themselves, within a community of sobriety, conversation, and inclusion.
Learning from the experts
Operation Substance Use Disorders hosts experts in the field to help educate student pharmacists throughout the school year. For example, Carol Motycka, PharmD, BCACP, is a well-known harm reduction and prevention expert in the Jacksonville area, focused on policy work through the pharmacist’s lens. Every semester, Dr. Motycka shares her wisdom on how policy is evolving in the substance use disorder world.
In addition, Robin Moorman-Li, PharmD, BCACP, another expert in the field of nonopioid-related pain management, hosted a seminar in collaboration with Operation Substance Use Disorders to discuss alternatives for chronic pain management, steering heavily away from opioid use. She has created an interprofessional, large-scale collaboration research effort for the past decade, with a goal to research new techniques in managing pain without the use of opioids.
Addiction does not discriminate
At our chapter, Operation Substance Use Disorders plays a large role in keeping our community safe by providing resources and education to a vulnerable age group of adolescents. Addiction does not discriminate. Through everyone’s collective effort, we hope to continue the fight against substance use disorders and stand for those who are currently struggling with substance addiction.