Sarah Abib

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), millions of Americans are affected by opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting the continued need for accessible and sustainable treatment options. Opioid use disorder remains a major public health concern, with recurrence rates reaching 40–60% within the first year due to adherence challenges, stigma, and limited access to treatment. Long-acting injectable (LAI) medications, such as naltrexone extended-release (Vivitrol) and buprenorphine extended-release (Sublocade and Brixadi), are FDA-approved therapies that improve adherence and reduce overdose risk. However, these medications remain underutilized in community pharmacy practice. Community pharmacists, as some of the most accessible healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to expand access and support patients receiving MOUD. This research aims to assess pharmacists’ comfort and willingness to provide LAI MOUD and evaluate the impact of an educational component designed to strengthen pharmacist engagement in offering these services.

My motivation for this research comes from a commitment to improving patient care and highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in supporting individuals with opioid use disorder. Pharmacists are among the healthcare professionals who see patients most frequently, allowing them to play an essential role in administering long-acting injectable medications and maintaining continuity of care in the community setting. This experience motivates me to continue promoting meaningful change that improves patients’ lives and reinforces the value of pharmacist-led care.

I am honored to be an APhA Foundation Incentive Grant recipient and to advance the role of pharmacists in improving access to care for patients with opioid use disorder. I look forward to supporting continued growth in community pharmacy practice and contributing to efforts that expand pharmacist involvement in this important area of care.