Prescription drug abuse awareness through Generation Rx

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in Utah. In 2010 there were more deaths caused by prescription overdoses than car accidents (Johnson, 2010). To combat this growing problem I implemented an outreach program called Operation Generation Rx into the American Pharmacist Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) with University of Utah Chapter. This program aims to educate the community about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, with the use of informative handouts and brochures, posters, and PowerPoint presentations. This year I gave three Generation Rx presentations and participated in six health fairs. Generation Rx reached approximately nine-hundred and eight Utahns. Through this experience I learned how to communicate a sensitive topic to a variety of people from all ages and cultures, and even though I cannot control what people chose to do I can at least educate them on where to get help. I overcame the challenges of coordinating and planning outreach events with the help of student volunteers