# “Let’s Talk Stigma”: A Pharmacy-Based Program for Opioid Use Disorder Anti-Stigma Education in Pennsylvania

## TL;DR

This paper describes a pharmacy-based program in Pennsylvania that reduces stigma around opioid use disorder through education and outreach, reaching thousands of healthcare professionals and students.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is a collaborative, multi-component anti-stigma program for opioid use disorder that includes lived experience input and was successfully integrated into pharmacy education.

## Key findings

- The anti-stigma podcast reached nearly 22,000 listeners globally.
- Over 5000 individuals engaged with local program sessions.
- Participants reported increased awareness and improved attitudes toward opioid use disorder.

## Abstract

Opioid overdoses in the United States remain a significant public health concern. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is stigmatized, exacerbating negative health outcomes. Reducing stigma in healthcare, including in pharmacies, is critical. The “Let’s Talk Stigma” program was collaboratively developed with two schools of pharmacy, a local health department, and individuals with lived drug use experience. It aimed to reduce OUD-related stigma among pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists, and other allied health professionals. The program included six core components: a podcast, continuing education, a standardized curriculum for student pharmacists, training for pharmacy technicians and medical assistants, pharmacy outreach by student pharmacists, and partnerships with chain pharmacies. The anti-stigma podcast reached a global audience with nearly 22,000 listens, while local sessions engaged over 5000 individuals. These initiatives were integrated into Doctor of Pharmacy curricula, with student pharmacists distributing stigma-reduction kits in local pharmacies. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative data from participant reflections and quantitative data from surveys, podcast analytics, and attendance records, was used for program evaluation. Participants reported increased awareness of stigma, improved attitudes, and greater professional responsibility to reduce stigma. The program successfully leveraged partnerships, flexible delivery methods, and inclusion of people with lived drug use experience in its design.