Addressing Prescription Drug Misuse: Strategies and Evaluation Sean P. Varano, Ph.D. Associate Professor Roger Williams University Bristol, RI

Prescription Drug Misuse Challenges and Opportunities Challenges Touches nearly every social and economic group in communities “Legal” nature of Rx drugs makes prevention messaging difficult Evaluating prevention strategies, particularly for hidden problems is challenging Crafting messages that resonate with diverse populations challenges Opportunities Strong political recognition of the seriousness of problem Community-wide interest in addressing issue New “technologies” permit flexible messaging strategies

Challenges Create Innovation: Impacts on Program Design Brockton Younger populations accessed via Photovoice campaign and newly designed school-based health curriculum Specific outreach efforts to non- traditional partners (e.g., Catholic Churches) New Bedford “Older” populations accessed via culturally-informed social media campaign (Portuguese Kids) Training/Awareness campaign with primary care doctors and other medical professionals Expansion of Rx drug safety campaigns

Measuring Outcomes: Planning For Evaluation Brockton Use of process measures delineating quantity and quality of campaign reach Use of Drug Take Days results YRBS data New Bedford Using social media matrices to measure reach of campaigns Use of Drug Take Back Day results Opiate-involved ED Admissions

Sample Outcomes: Drug Take Back Totals