The Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts to lead a unified, collaborative response to substance use and substance use disorders across Alabama.

COACH provides free, evidence-based drug prevention education to K–12 students statewide. Programs are designed to be flexible, convenient, and accessible, offering both in-person and virtual options. Educational formats range from hands-on, small-group sessions to large-scale assemblies, allowing schools to choose the approach that best meets their needs.

In addition to youth education, COACH delivers in-person and free online interprofessional training programs aimed at improving the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders. Through outcomes-driven research and data-informed insights, COACH continually strengthens care practices while leveraging the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s statewide network to enhance patient care and community impact.

COACH also utilizes the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s expertise in forensic chemistry and population-level data analysis to monitor and identify emerging trends in substance misuse. These efforts provide critical, timely information to stakeholders, enabling proactive responses to current risks and helping anticipate future substances of abuse.

Featured Initiative
COACH Drug Education Program

COACH K-12 Education Program Logo