Massachusetts strategic prevention framework for prescription drugs (MA SPF RX) - the massachusetts SPF RX project has as its goal to develop a strategic plan that will address prescription drug…

Massachusetts strategic prevention framework for prescription drugs (MA SPF RX) - the massachusetts SPF RX project has as its goal to develop a strategic plan that will address prescription drug misuse, engage partners, conduct activities that raise awareness about the dangers of sharing medications-including opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants-and work with pharmaceutical and medical communities on the risks of overprescribing to young adults. Massachusetts has identified its overall population of focus for the prevention of substance use disorder (SUD) as being those at highest risk of opioid overdose or other SUD, including the potential of prescription drug misuse. Key objectives are: (1) strategic planning: by the end of year 2, develop a strategic plan that identifies communities with high rates of potentially inappropriate prescribing or prescription drug use and prioritizes activities for primary and secondary prevention efforts; update the plan annually in years 3-5. (2) engagement and work groups: by month 3 establish an advisory and engagement structure; and by the end of year 2 engage individuals and organizations from 100% of the following sectors in the strategic planning process: community members, healthcare providers, key stakeholders, adult, youth, young adults, elders, and youth and families and people in recovery from substance use disorder. (3) pdmp: by end of year 4, provide community stakeholders with easy-to-use tools for tracking and displaying trends of prescription medications with high misuse potential by incorporating selected MA PMP prescription drug use data sets and interactive charts and maps into the state's public data portal-the massachusetts population health information tool. (4) other implementation activities: by no later than year 4, develop and implement activities statewide or in targeted communities to: (a) conduct a community-based public education campaign to increase awareness of prescription drug misuse; (b) continue to educate prescribers on the use and benefits of accessing the MA PMP; (c) continue to collaborate with pharmacies to ensure timely input into the MA PMP database; and (d) conduct medication disposal programs, and effective law enforcement activities aimed at reducing inappropriate prescribing and multiple provider episodes (i.e., doctor shopping).