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. COACH has reached more than one hundred thousand Alabamians—including healthcare professionals, civic leaders, K–12 students, and community members—through impactful, evidence-based initiatives.
Patient Care & Clinical Research
COACH provides interprofessional training to improve the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders. Through outcomes-driven research and data informed insights, COACH continually advances care practices while leveraging the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s statewide reach to enhance patient care.
Healthcare & Community Education
COACH provides free drug prevention education to K–12 students across Alabama. Programs range from hands-on, small‑group sessions to large assembly presentations and are designed to be flexible, convenient, and accessible. Schools can deliver free COACH programming both in person and online.
Outreach
COACH actively engages with communities across Alabama by participating in events that promote health, wellness, and substance use prevention. Through health fairs, conferences, community celebrations, school events, and outreach activities, COACH connects individuals and families with educational resources, prevention information, and support services. These outreach efforts help strengthen community partnerships, increase awareness of important health topics, and extend COACH’s mission of building healthier, more informed communities.
Drug Discovery & Development
COACH leverages the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s expertise in forensic chemistry and population-level data analysis to identify emerging trends in substance misuse. This work informs key stakeholders about current risks and potential future substances of abuse, supporting proactive and informed responses.
