Philosophy

The Harrison College of Pharmacy and Auburn University’s leadership established the Center for Opioid Research, Education and Outreach, or COACH, in 2019 after identifying the need and recognizing an opportunity to serve our local communities and the state of Alabama. The Harrison College of Pharmacy has an established history of expertise in forensic chemistry, neurosciences, pharmacology, drug delivery, pharmacoepidemiology, and practice-based research. This work helps us better understand substance use disorders, focusing on detection, prevention, and treatment. COACH-affiliated faculty and staff have a long history of conducting vital research in this area. Substance use disorder is a complex problem and will require an interdisciplinary solution for the citizens of Alabama and the region. The Center enables our researchers to unify existing programs and expertise, providing a stronger response to the opioid epidemic. Through our stakeholders and researchers, COACH provides a holistic response to a complex and multifaceted problem. We utilize each area of the center to address the health and wellbeing of those affected by opioids and substance use disorders through conducting innovative research, offering educational programs, and engaging in meaningful outreach efforts.

Research

Applying Auburn University’s expertise in forensic chemistry, neurosciences, pharmacology, drug delivery, pharmacoepidemiology, and practice-based research to better understand opiate use disorders, focusing on detection, prevention, and treatment.

Education

Provision of high-level education to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge to prevent, recognize, and assist in treatment and referral for opiate use disorders within their practice and community. These educational programs will bring together a diverse healthcare audience to encourage communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Outreach

Partnering with state agencies to provide targeted education for community leaders, professionals, and laypersons to equip a diverse audience to better understand the crisis, recognize opiate use disorders, and discuss strategies for collaborating within a community and across the state.

Center Development

The Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach was envisioned by leadership at all levels across Auburn University and the Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) with the goal of tackling an ongoing problem, specifically addressing the state and regional crisis arising as a result of the opioid epidemic. The Provost’s Office and the State of Alabama legislature recognized the value of forming this Center in our everchanging field and committed a state appropriation to fund the Center’s basic operational functions. The Center is comprised of Harrison College of Pharmacy faculty members across all disciplines: Pharmacy Practice, Drug Discovery and Development (DDD), and Health Outcomes, Research, and Policy (HORP).

Strategic Plan

The Center’s mission is “to serve the citizens of Alabama and the region by becoming a recognized leader in advocacy, research, education, and outreach by improving the health and wellbeing of those impacted by opioids and substance use disorders.” The Center plans to achieve its mission by engaging actively within the framework of its strategic plan comprising its three pillars, ensuring a pathway to success: research, education, and outreach. COACH affiliated research projects are collaborative efforts in which the research groups participate in partnerships with funding agencies from various federal and state government departments as well as private industry and foundations to conduct research and present educational programming throughout the State, region, and nation.

External Advisory Board

The Center works in partnership with a number of outside agencies, groups, and individuals. Amongst these, a select group of individuals compose a board of advisors whose role it is to partner with Center leadership to direct the mission and goals of the Center.

Virginia Guy

Drug Education Council

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Scott Harris

Alabama Public Health Officer

Darrell Craven

Industry

Craven graduated from the Harrison School of Pharmacy in 1982. He began serving on the HSOP Campaign Committee in 2013 and on the Auburn Pharmacy Alumni Affiliate’s Board of Directors in 2015.