Request ScreenU (College) be Used on Your Campus

According to the 2015 College Prescription Drug Survey , 1 in 4 undergraduate students have misused a prescription medication at some point in their lifetime.
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD) understands the need for addressing this issue and the resource constraints, in both time and money, that campuses face.
To combat this, HECAOD developed ScreenU, a web-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) tool to identify students at-risk of experiencing negative consequences for prescription drug misuse and connect them with resources on their campus that can support their success.
SBIRT is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It was designed using evidence-based practices. Students answer questions from a screening tool that identify behaviors that would be considered substance abuse and the level of risk of dependence on the drug. ScreenU takes only 5-10 minutes to complete.

Benefits of ScreenU
ScreenU was designed with the college student in mind and provides feedback and resources that address the unique challenges that they face. It can be used in a variety of settings and contributes to a comprehensive approach to prevention. In addition, ScreenU is:
Based in research- based on the large body of research that supports SBIRT as an early intervention tool
Cost effective- widespread implementation can be done with limited resources since it does not require an appointment or face to face feedback
Personalized- with feedback specific to a person’s risk level and resources specific to the campus and surrounding community
Brief- takes less than 10 minutes, making it easy to complete in many settings
Flexible- Can be used in a variety of settings including student conduct, residence halls, student health services, or counseling centers.
Meets students where they are- Can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, or computer

How can I do that?Contact you local campus representative, student services coordinator or local anti-drug coaltion to see if they will help you put together a proposal to present to your university.

Create Drug Education Materials

Education is key in helping to prevent the misuse of opioids. Educational kits are easily distributed throughout the community by partnering up with local community businesses and organizations. Some examples of items that can be included: pamphlets, informational brochures, magnets, bracelets, toys, pens/pencils etc. These items are anything that will draw attention to the educational information being provided. Alternatively, you can partner with a local pharmacy or other wellness-related business to display the kits at the checkout counter for customers.
How do I do that?1. Gather printed materials to include in each kit.2. Purchase giveaway items with drug education message (magnets, pens, bracelets, etc.)3. Package printed materials and giveaway items in small bag or box to be easily handed out to members of the public.4. Coordinate with local businesses to hand out kits to customers as they enter and leave the store.5. Alternatively, partner with a local pharmacy or other wellness-related business to display the kits at the checkout counter for customers to take while making purchase.

Use Online Continuing Education Courses for Prescribing Opioids

Health professionals can change the way they treat pain and reduce the chance that patients will become addicted to prescription medications. This can prove quite challenging for providers who must attempt to minimize misuse without impeding a patient’s access to medical care. Online training courses can help! Universities, medical associations, and other organizations are making it easier for medical practitioners to expand their knowledge about the opioid crisis, pain management, prescribing methods, and the science of addiction. Some online resources are free while others may have a cost associated. Continuing education credits (CMEs) can be offered through some of these courses.
How can I do that?Contact or do a web search of universities or medical associations to see what resources may be available regarding continuing education courses, or check out some of these organizations to help you get started.
Center for Disease ControlTennessee Medical Association

Partner with Above the Influence for Resources and Materials

Above the Influence is a part of the non-profit Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and their goal is to make teens aware of the influences around them along with the impact those influences have over their decisions and consequently their lives. They operate under the belief that the more aware you are of the influences around you, the better prepared you will be to face them.
The website reads,“We’re not telling you how to live your life, but we are giving you another perspective and the latest facts. You need to make your own smart decisions.”
They work with partners at three levels: community, strategic and corporate sponsors. Community partners equip schools and youth-serving organizations across the country with materials and resources to help teens stay Above the Influence. Strategic partners offer unique opportunities to engage youth. Corporate Sponsors provide funding to help Above the Influence to continue offering their program in teen drug abuse prevention.
How can I do that?Contact Above the Influence through their website to see which partnership is right for your organization and to get started making a difference in the lives of teens and youth.

Provide an Excess Pill Dropoff Program

Drug take-back boxes are a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of excess unused prescription and over-the-counter medications. Proper disposal is crucial in preventing medications from falling into the wrong hands. Do not flush or pour medications down the drain, this can lead to waterway contamination. Take-back boxes that can accept controlled substances (which have the highest potential for abuse) are the most useful and popular.
How can I do that?1. Register the location with the DEA. You can contact your local DEA Diversion Office with any questions.2. Purchase your take-back box. Here are just a few vendors: CVS Grants, Save a Star, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators3. Find a service that will properly destroy the prescription drugs you have collected. Contact your local DEA for help in finding this service.4. Make certain that you are in compliance with Federal, State, tribal and local laws.