Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs

The SPF Rx grant program provides an opportunity for states, U.S. territories, pacific jurisdictions (herein referred to as “states”), and tribal entities that have completed a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) to target the priority issue of prescription drug misuse. The program is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of sharing medications and work with pharmaceutical and medical communities on the risks of overprescribing to young adults. SPF Rx will also raise community awareness and bring prescription drug abuse prevention activities and education to schools, communities, parents, prescribers, and their patients. In addition, SAMHSA will track reductions in opioid overdoses and the incorporation of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data into needs assessments and strategic plans as indicators of the program’s success.

PDMPs are state-run databases used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients. They are designed to monitor this information for suspected abuse or diversion (i.e., channeling drugs into illegal use), and can give a prescriber or pharmacist critical information regarding a patient’s controlled substance prescription history. State applicants must have a fully operational PDMP in order to apply for the SPF Rx program. Tribes must coordinate with the state run PDMPs to identify opportunities for collaboration that will limit overprescribing in tribal communities.