Integrated Community Approaches to Overdose Prevention and Substance Use Health

Upon successful completion of this application-based CPE course, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Define evidence-based overdose risk mitigation strategies and differentiate them from abstinence-based approaches.
2. Describe the role of CHWs in supporting overdose risk mitigation strategies both in the pharmacy and during patient home visits.
3. Demonstrate how stigma and language impact care delivery and patient engagement.
4. Recognize the signs of opioid overdose and outline steps for emergency response.
5. Describe naloxone formulations, administration, and post-overdose support strategies.
6. Perform CHW-specific roles related to ordering, stocking, demonstrating use, and education of naloxone.
7. Identify evidence-based overdose prevention tools (e.g., fentanyl test strips, safer drug use kits) and their role in patient safety.
8. Describe community engagement strategies for reaching high-risk populations.
9. Implement local overdose-prevention and risk-mitigation strategies.
10. Describe how MOUD works, including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.
11 Identify the clinical value of MOUD in reducing opioid-related harm and fatalities.
12. Demonstrate how MOUD reduces overdose risk and supports treatment retention.
13. Describe the role of CHWs in dispensing, counseling, and follow-up support for patients on MOUD.
14. Identify pharmacist-specific activities (e.g., administering naltrexone) and how CHWs can assist with them.
15. Respond to signs of underdosing or treatment disengagement and support patients accordingly.
16. Recognize the unique needs of special populations on MOUD.
17. Explain strategies for improving access to MOUD in rural vs. urban settings.
18. Develop strategies to overcome barriers and support patients in underserved communities.
19. Describe how hepatitis C is transmitted and why reinfection is a high risk for people who inject drugs.
20. Explain the framework of hepatitis C testing, treatment, and curative options.
21. Execute strategies to identify coverage and access pathways for hepatitis C treatment.
22. Summarize key tools for HIV and STI prevention, including PrEP, PEP, testing, and vaccination.
23. Describe how CHWs can support prevention efforts both in pharmacies and in homes.
24. Utilize region-specific HIV data to better understand local prevention priorities.
25. Explain how drug use and sexual health risks are interrelated in vulnerable populations.
26. Identify the CHW’s role in mitigating infection risk through education and care coordination.
27. Recommend appropriate testing and prevention resources within local communities.