UAMS student pharmacist Taylor Ashcraft provides an “Adderall Does Not Equal A” presentation to University of Central Arkansas student athletes.
By Byron Johnson and Cortni Hicks
Using 2016–17 APhA–ASP President Kelsea Gallegos’ presidential theme as our mantra, the goal that year for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy APhA–ASP Chapter was to protect individuals from the dangers of prescription medication abuse. “Together” we accomplished this by conducting Generation Rx activities for elementary, middle school, high school, and college students, as well as teachers, parents, and seniors. By raising awareness and encouraging sobriety and/or recovery, we established that “We Can” improve the health of our communities and better enable our patients.
Vast program list
Our chapter focused on community outreach by presenting to different demographics of people and providing them with educational materials.
The Silent War: Fighting Opioid Abuse. This event was held in collaboration with Army Camp Robinson Battle Assembly to target U.S. Army Officers. Military personnel have a higher rate of opioid abuse compared with the public. We created/delivered this presentation to 75 Army officers.
Together We Can Treat Pain—Not Mask It. We partnered with physical therapy students to teach alternative pain management strategies and risks of long-term opioid use. First, we conducted a team-based learning with physical therapy students using our opioids presentation, which included: description of opioid abuse, prescribing trends, deaths due to opioids, and addiction. The next day, a physical therapist educated members about alternative pain management strategies and why they are a viable alternative to opioids.
ABC’s of Being a GRAND Grandparent. “G”ather and store all alcohol- containing products out of children’s reach, “R”emember to store all medications out of children’s reach, “A”lways double check to make sure medication is accounted for when children are in the home, check with your physician and pharmacist when starting “N”ew medications, and “D”ispose of all medications properly (be careful when disposing of patches, creams, and ointments). The event was held in collaboration with Cornerstone Pharmacy to educate seniors in northwest Arkansas about the importance of safe storage to protect their grandchildren.
Adderall Does Not Equal A. This event was held in collaboration with the University of Central Arkansas Athletic Department. The purpose was to raise awareness and dispel myths about CNS stimulants to college athletes.
Athletes: What Standard Are You Setting? This event included high school student athletes and focused on alcohol and substance abuse in student athletes. The goal of this event was to educate athletes on the impact that they have on people that look up to them. This project urged parents to talk to their children about problems that they may be having as well as promoting the use of drug take-back.
Petscription Safety. Held statewide in collaboration with animal shelters, veterinarians, and community pharmacies, the goal of this project was to educate pet owners about medications that are dangerous in pets.
Presentation at local elementary school. We used Generation Rx materials at an event held in collaboration with Greenbriar Elementary School.
Detective Safety. This project was directed toward children to educate them on the dangers of OTC medication and the importance of storing those medications in a safe place in the home.
Parents! Are Your Children Abusing Prescription Medications? Focused on educating parents on signs that may indicate that their children are abusing prescription medication, this project shed a light on resources available to parents that could help with recognizing as well as helping children with a problem.
Our National Recovery Month activities consisted of:
Together We Can Recover. An event geared toward educating participants about resources available for people that need assistance recovering from substance abuse. It was suggested that people needing assistance seek out addiction groups as well as seeking help from their medical professionals.
Guest recovery speaker. Our chapter meeting guest speaker was a pharmacist who described his recovery from substance abuse.
Through cooperation within our chapter, interprofessionally, and with other organizations, we demonstrated that “Together We Can” improve the health of Arkansans.