Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach

COACH attends Gulf Coast Dental Conference!
The Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) exhibited at the 2026 Gulf Coast Dental Conference (GCDC) at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Dentists and dental hygienists stopped by the COACH booth to learn about continuing education opportunities designed for dental professionals, including programs focused on substance use prevention, opioid stewardship, patient safety, pain management and emerging healthcare trends. COACH team members enjoyed connecting with dental providers from across the region and sharing educational resources that support best practices and improve patient outcomes.

-COACH Attends Superintendents Association Conference-
COACH recently attended the School Superintendents Association (SSA) Summer Conference, connecting with superintendents and educational leaders from across Alabama. The conference provided an opportunity to share information about COACH’s K–12 drug prevention education programs, educator resources and training opportunities, designed to support student health and well-being. COACH team members are glad to take part in the meaningful conversations and resulting partnerships that help expand prevention efforts in schools statewide.

Happy Fourth of July from the Harrison College of Pharmacy!

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also recognize a historic milestone in the 250th birthday of the United States. For two and a half centuries, Americans have worked together to strengthen our communities through service, innovation, and leadership.

Today, we honor that spirit and the freedoms that unite us. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Independence Day.

Mark your calendar! The 2026 Substance Misuse Summits will be on August 18 in Mobile and August 20 in Huntsville. Learn more and sign up at alabamapublichealth.gov/pdmp/.
– with Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy

COACH enjoyed exhibiting at the conference! We were excited to chat with so many pharmacists and share important information with them about COACH!

-COACH Free 3-Hour CE Program-
Substance misuse continues to impact individuals, families, and entire Alabama communities. Strengthening prevention efforts requires practical strategies, community engagement, and a deep understanding of local risk factors.

Join our FREE, 3-hour continuing education program:
Strengthening Community-Based Prevention: Strategies for Addressing Substance Misuse in Alabama

Participants will learn to:
Analyze drug trends and emerging risks
Reduce stigma and harmful perceptions that contribute to substance misuse
Evaluate community norms and design healthier behavioral alternatives
Use low-cost, practical tools for data collection and program evaluation
This program includes presentations + interactive breakout sessions tailored to professionals working across healthcare and community settings.

June 30, 2026 — 6:00 PM CDT
Location — Harrison College of Pharmacy
362 W. Thach Avenue, Auburn University, AL 36849
CE credit available for ACPE, ACCME, ABN, ABSWE, BDEA

Register here: https://auburncoach.org/event/strengthening-community-based-prevention-program-auburn/

Join us!

-Register Now for COACH 2026 Substance Misuse Summits-
COACH will be holding not just one, but two Substance Misuse Summits in Alabama in 2026! Titled Substance Use Uncovered – Stories, Statistics, and Solutions, these events are designed to provide a platform for impactful conversations and learning. Featured speakers for the event include Duck Dynasty’s Jep Robertson, Tom Farley (comedian Chris Farley’s brother) and Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors.

Register today! Direct links to registration for both events are listed below.

The Grounds - Mobile, AL, August 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Register here: https://cmetracker.net/USAL/Publisher?page=pubOpen #/EventID/124247/

The Jackson Center - Huntsville, AL, August 20, 2026, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Register here: https://cmetracker.net/USAL/Publisher?page=pubOpen #/EventID/124248/

*These events are sponsored by the Alabama Department of Public Health through a parent grant funded by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.