As part of COACH’s commitment to education, faculty are working to provide health care professionals with the knowledge to prevent, recognize, and assist in treatment and referral for opioid use disorders within their practice and community. These educational programs bring together a diverse health care audience to encourage communication and collaboration across disciplines. Included in this work is an effort by Drs. Marlowe, Brent Fox, and Haley Phillippe, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health to conduct a series of small to large scale training events across the state in reference to Alabama’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, or PDMP.
2027 Substance Misuse Summit
Join us for a full day of programming.
📅December 7, 2027 — Montgomery, AL area
2026 Summit Recap
Reaching more than 400 healthcare providers, law enforcement members and community leaders throughout the state, the Harrison College of Pharmacy Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) spread awareness of drug misuse in August.
Following the success of the inaugural Substance Misuse Summit in 2025, COACH held two Summits in 2026, first at the Grounds in Mobile on August 18 and the second at the Jackson Center in Huntsville on August 20. The Summits featured speakers and presentations on the current state of drug misuse, as well as Jep Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame and Tom Farley, brother of comedian Chris Farley.
“The testimonies from Jep Robertson, Laura Stack and Tom Farley result from different experiences, but their message was remarkably consistent: hope, resilience and community action have the power to save lives,” said Dr. Haley Phillippe, clinical professor in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice and a founding member of the COACH team.
Kevin DeStefano from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration led off the Summits, covering current drug trends on the street, statistics and enforcement efforts. Laura Stack, of Johnny’s Ambassadors, talked about her son’s descent into high-potency marijuana addiction, resulting in his subsequent suicide. Garrett Aikens, chief of pharmacy at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, gave a discussion about pain management prior to lunch, leading into a discussion about clinical applications of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Following Aikens, Tom Farley, brother of the late comedian Chris Farley, gave a presentation about his brother’s addiction, and the effects it had on his family. Farley also discussed his own journey in recovery, as well as his work to help others battling substance use disorders. Jep Robertson of Duck Dynasty wrapped up the day, giving an honest and heartfelt look at prior addiction struggles in his life, and overcoming them through faith and family.
COACH serves the citizens of Alabama and the region as a recognized leader in advocacy, education, outreach and research related to opioids, substances of abuse and substance use disorders.
Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) was pleased to partner with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the University of South Alabama Office of CME to host this interdisciplinary summit. The 2027 Substance Misuse Summit will be held in the Montgomery, AL, area.
Continuing Education Webinar
This knowledge-based course provides a focused review of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, emphasizing legal requirements for prescribing and dispensing substances classified under Schedules I–V. Topics include electronic prescribing, partial and emergency fills, and refill regulations, as well as rules for mid-level practitioners and opioid addiction treatment programs. Learners will gain practical knowledge to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, support safe medication practices, and help prevent drug diversion through a secure “cradle to grave” system of accountability.
Controlled Substances: Prescribing and Dispensing Within the Law
Continuing Education Home Study
We are happy to share a free home study on Alabama’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This presentation is a review of the history and laws pertaining to the Alabama PDMP; it provides information to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians needed to successfully submit prescription information to the Alabama PDMP and enhances community pharmacists’ understanding and utilization of the Alabama PDMP.
Alabama’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program: The Essentials
These projects are supported by the Alabama Department of Public Health through a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
