Purdue Pharma Joins the Prescription Drug Safety Network

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Purdue Pharma, L.P. today announced its participation in the Prescription Drug Safety Network and its commitment to bring proven prevention education created by EVERFI, the leading prevention education innovator, to 200 high schools across the country. The course includes interactive sessions and self-guided activities to empower students with knowledge, skills, and strategies to help prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse.

Purdue will become a member of the Prescription Drug Safety Network, a nationwide coalition committed to empowering students with skills to help make safe and healthy decisions about prescription drug use for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Prescription Drug Safety Network is the nation’s first public-private initiative to combat prescription drug abuse by providing prevention education to high schools and colleges. Network partners include a diverse group of state leaders, industry leaders, educators, community based organizations, and foundations.

“Prescription drug abuse has devastated communities across the country, yet there are few initiatives aimed at preventing abuse before it occurs, especially for youth,” said Tom Davidson, chief executive officer, EVERFI. “Through the Prescription Drug Safety Network, we are bringing together public and private organizations committed to combatting this scourge by investing in prevention education. Everyone needs to be at the table to help solve this crisis.”

With support from Purdue, EVERFI’s digital learning course will become available in approximately 200 high schools across California, Connecticut, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The program will be offered for three years at no cost to schools.

“EVERFI has a strong success rate in prevention education and this partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to address the opioid crisis while balancing patient access to FDA-approved medications,” said Craig Landau, MD, chief executive officer, Purdue Pharma L.P. “This educational initiative complements our ongoing programs which include supporting legislation to limit opioid prescribing, distributing the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, advancing law enforcement access to naloxone, and furthering the development of opioids with abuse-deterrent properties.”

EVERFI’s innovative digital learning experience uses an evidence-based, public health approach to empower high school students with skills and knowledge they need to help make safe and healthy decisions about prescription drugs. Through interactive scenarios and self-guided activities, students learn facts about prescription medicines, how to properly use and dispose of them, and how to step in when faced with a situation involving misuse. The course is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Education Standards and state academic standards.

About Purdue Pharma L.P.

Purdue Pharma L.P. is a privately held pharmaceutical company headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Purdue Pharma is part of a network of independent associated companies dedicated to providing patients and providers with innovative medicines. The company’s leadership and employees are committed to serving healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers quality products and educational resources that make a positive impact on healthcare — and on lives. For more information, please visit www.purduepharma.com.

About EVERFI, Inc.

EVERFI, Inc. is the leading education technology company that provides learners of all ages education for the real world, through innovative and scalable digital learning. Founded in 2008, EVERFI has certified over 16 million learners in critical skill areas with more than 4,300 partners in all 50 U.S. States and Canada. EVERFI is an industry leader that builds Networks to tackle the toughest social issues, including the Campus Prevention Network, a coalition of higher education institutions committed to campus sexual assault and alcohol abuse prevention; and the Financial Capability Network, a coalition of industry leaders dedicated to improving financial outcomes for communities across the country.

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