Massachusetts Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF Rx) Project

Challenge

Lowering rates of prescription drug misuse remains a priority for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. One group of special concern is older adults, who are susceptible to prescription drug misuse for reasons including inconsistent drug dosing, a lack of understanding about when and how to take prescribed medications, and problem usage to cope with difficult life transitions.

Through the Massachusetts Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Rx Project, EDC is using the SPF process to develop a strategic plan to address prescription drug misuse among older adults in the city of Springfield. As part of the process, EDC is engaging community partners, conducting information-sharing events, and working with organizations that serve older adults to educate older adults on strategies to prevent misuse.

Key Activities

EDC is carrying out the following activities:

• Using the SPF process to design a strategic plan for substance misuse prevention among older adults for the Commonwealth
• Implementing a social marketing campaign and educational sessions to address medication interactions among older adults, as well as safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs
• Integrating arts and culture interventions into local health promotion efforts to provide older adults a healthy way to cope with life transitions and connect with peers to prevent social isolation and loneliness

Impact

The strategic plan produced by this project is informing the Commonwealth’s approach to address specific risk factors for prescription drug misuse among older adults, including drug interactions, stockpiling of medications, and coping with difficult life transitions.