A K-12 school–based substance misuse prevention program in partnership with a college of pharmacy: Pilot program development and implementation

Background: Adolescence represents a pivotal stage for drug prevention education. Therefore, the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) launched a pilot drug prevention program in partnership with K-12 schools in Alabama. The program aimed to increase awareness of medication safety, reduce the risk of early drug misuse, and introduce pharmacy professionals as accessible health care resources. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the development and implementation of the COACH K-12 pilot drug prevention program. Methods: Middle schools across Alabama were contacted via e-mail with an invitation to participate. Participating schools selected from 3 modules: large-group assemblies, small-group workshops, and a parent education seminar. Each participating school completed 2 30-minute virtual preprogram planning sessions to tailor content and logistics. Preliminary implementation outcomes, program outputs, and program inputs were assessed via administrative records and characterized using descriptive statistics, including program reach (number of students and schools participating), frequency of program components delivered, time spent delivering each program component, and implementation cost. Informal teacher, student, and parent feedback provided via e-mail or verbally during programs was summarized. Results: The initiative reached more than 1000 students across 4 middle schools. Workshops were delivered most frequently (n = 9), followed by assemblies (n = 5) and parent information sessions (n = 1). A total of 15 hours were spent delivering assemblies (3 hours per assembly on average), 12 hours delivering workshops (1.3 hours per workshop on average), and 2 hours delivering the parent seminar, with a minimum implementation cost of approximately $593.55. Assemblies and workshops were well received, with participants expressing enthusiasm and increased interest in health professions. Conclusion: This program provides a foundation for other colleges of pharmacy wishing to implement similar K-12 partnerships. Future studies may formally evaluate student learning outcomes before and after the program.